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Bill > HB1352


AR HB1352

AR HB1352
To Amend Various Laws Concerning Actions Related To Certain Foreign Entities.


summary

Introduced
01/31/2025
In Committee
04/14/2025
Crossed Over
03/17/2025
Passed
04/16/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/21/2025

Introduced Session

95th General Assembly (2025 Regular)

Bill Summary

AN ACT TO AMEND VARIOUS LAWS CONCERNING ACTIONS RELATED TO CERTAIN FOREIGN ENTITIES; TO WITHHOLD FUNDING FOR STATE-SUPPORTED INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION WITH A CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE OR SIMILAR INSTITUTE RELATED TO THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA; TO PROHIBIT A STATE-SUPPORTED INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION FROM INVESTING IN CHINESE FUNDS; TO PROHIBIT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SISTER CITIES WITH CERTAIN PROHIBITED FOREIGN PARTIES; TO PROHIBIT THE INVESTMENT OF RETIREMENT AND PENSION FUNDS IN CHINESE FUNDS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

AI Summary

This bill aims to restrict interactions with Chinese entities across several domains in Arkansas. The legislation prohibits state-supported higher education institutions from hosting Confucius Institutes or similar Chinese cultural centers, mandating their abolishment by December 31, 2025, and withholding state funding from institutions that fail to comply. The bill also prevents these institutions from investing in Chinese companies or restricted investment products. Additionally, the legislation prohibits municipalities from forming new sister city relationships with entities from countries subject to specific international arms regulations and requires termination of existing such relationships. Furthermore, the bill establishes comprehensive restrictions on public investment entities, requiring them to identify and divest from Chinese companies and investment products within twelve months, with some limited exceptions for small investment percentages or investments that would cause significant financial penalties. Public investment entities must report their investments annually, and the bill provides immunity from civil liability for officials implementing these restrictions. The legislation defines "Chinese companies" broadly, including entities domiciled, incorporated, or controlled by the Chinese government or Communist Party, and establishes detailed reporting and divestment requirements for public investment entities.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (65)

Howard Beaty (R)* Blake Johnson (R)* Brandon Achor (R),  Wade Andrews (R),  Sonia Barker (R),  Rick Beck (R),  Mary Bentley (R),  Stan Berry (R),  Harlan Breaux (R),  Keith Brooks (R),  Alyssa Brown (R),  Karilyn Brown (R),  Matt Brown (R),  Nick Burkes (R),  Rebecca Burkes (R),  Joey Carr (R),  John Carr (R),  Fran Cavenaugh (R),  Paul Childress (R),  Cameron Cooper (R),  Bruce Cozart (R),  Cindy Crawford (R),  Carol Dalby (R),  James Eaton (R),  Brian Evans (R),  Tony Furman (R),  Jimmy Gazaway (R),  Zack Gramlich (R),  Brad Hall (R),  R.J. Hawk (R),  Steve Hollowell (R),  Lee Johnson (R),  Wayne Long (R),  Robin Lundstrum (R),  Roger Lynch (R),  John Maddox (R),  Mindy McAlindon (R),  Rick McClure (R),  Mark McElroy (R),  Richard McGrew (R),  Brit McKenzie (R),  Ron McNair (R),  Jon Milligan (R),  Jeremiah Moore (R),  Jason Nazarenko (R),  Stetson Painter (R),  Shad Pearce (R),  Mark Perry (D),  Aaron Pilkington (R),  Chad Puryear (R),  David Ray (R),  Scott Richardson (R),  Marcus Richmond (R),  Ryan Rose (R),  Johnny Rye (R),  Bart Schulz (R),  Matthew Shepherd (R),  Randy Torres (R),  Dwight Tosh (R),  Kendon Underwood (R),  Steve Unger (R),  DeAnn Vaught (R),  Steven Walker (R),  Carlton Wing (R),  Jim Wooten (R), 

Last Action

Notification that HB1352 is now Act 937 (on 04/21/2025)

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