STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Core – Organizational Support
AGENDA DATE: September 24, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): N/A
DEPARTMENT: Office of Government Affairs
EXECUTIVE: Ahmad Goree
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SUBJECT
Title
A resolution to formally terminate its sister city agreements with Saratov, Russia and Tianjin, China in compliance with House Bill 128 – Financing: No cost consideration to the City
Body
BACKGROUND
The 89th Texas Legislature, convened in regular session from January 15 to June 2, 2025, enacted House Bill (H.B.) 128, legislation requiring all Texas municipalities to terminate sister city agreements with cities in China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia no later than October 1, 2025. H.B. 128 was filed on March 13, 2025, approved by both chambers of the Legislature, and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025, taking effect September 1, 2025.
The City of Dallas has maintained international relationships through its Sister Cities program, including agreements with Saratov, Russia, and Tianjin, China. On March 9, 2022, the City of Dallas suspended ties with Saratov in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In accordance with H.B. 128 and consistent with prior Council action, the City Council now moves to formally terminate its sister city agreements with Saratov, Russia, and Tianjin, China.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On March 2, 2022, the City Council voted unanimously to suspend its sister-city relationship with Saratov, Russia, in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The resolution put an immediate halt to all official city-to-city contact with Saratov, which had been a Dallas sister city since 2004.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.