07.16.26 Coffee & Chat
Thursday, July 16, 2026 (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM) (CDT)
Description
Grab your coffee and join us for an engaging conversation with Crystal Brown, Attorney and Director of State Affairs at Troutman Strategies.
This informal virtual session offers members the opportunity to hear firsthand insights on the latest legislative and regulatory developments impacting commercial real estate, advocacy efforts taking place at the state level, and emerging policy trends shaping our industry. Crystal will share her expertise, provide valuable perspective on current issues, and answer your questions during an interactive discussion.
Whether you're looking to stay informed, gain a deeper understanding of the policy landscape, or simply connect with fellow members, this Virtual Coffee & Chat is a convenient and informative way to start your day. Bring your questions, your favorite morning beverage, and join the conversation.
Main topic wil be 25SB 17
- Targeted Countries: Primarily includes China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
- Exemptions: U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, short-term leases (under 12 months), and residential homestead properties.
- Enforcement: The Texas Attorney General is authorized to investigate, file civil lawsuits, and pursue divestiture. Violators face significant civil penalties (minimum of $250,000 or 50% of the property's value) and criminal charges.
- Status: The Attorney General of Texas enforces the rules, and the legislation has withstood early court challenges. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Crystal Brown is an attorney and Director of State Affairs at Troutman Strategies where she represents various trade associations, nonprofit organizations, large companies, and government entities before the Texas Legislature and local government entities. She has successfully advised her clients on matters related to health care, higher education, public disclosure laws, affordable housing, environmental regulations, and other government regulations. Brown has been named among the list of top lobbyists in Texas by Capitol Inside’s biennial Texas Lobby Power Rankings since 2019 after previously being ranked No. 6 on the Rising Stars list in 2017.
Prior to joining Troutman, Brown was the Chief of Staff for State Representative Carol Alvarado where she advised on policy, researched and drafted legislation, and developed media and communications strategy. She also served as the Committee Clerk for the Texas House Committee on Public Health under State Representative Lois Kolkhorst.
She currently serves on the board of directors for Hype Freedom School and the Pink Granite Foundation. Brown earned her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio.
This event was organized by the Government Affairs Committee.
Real Estate Member Standard: $0 (Included with Membership).
Sponsorships Available:
None.
(If you are not a dues-paying Member but one of your co-workers at your firm is, ask them to register you through their Membership profile to get Member rates).
, TX
This is a virtual event. The Zoom Link will be sent out the day before the Webinar.
23