Bill > SB2366

This bill creates the Research, Education, and Government Operations Protection Act, which aims to safeguard Illinois' research, educational systems, and government operations from potential malicious influence by foreign countries of concern. The legislation requires state agencies, educational institutions, and political subdivisions to disclose and obtain approval for gifts and contracts from countries like China, Russia, Iran, and others designated as countries of concern. Specifically, institutions with research budgets over $10 million must conduct extensive screening of applicants from these countries, including background checks, passport reviews, and verification of employment and educational history. The bill also restricts international cultural agreements and student associations, mandating that such partnerships cannot constrain academic freedom or be controlled by foreign entities that might pose a security risk. Institutions must now pre-approve and monitor international travel by faculty and researchers, maintaining detailed records of such activities. Additionally, the bill introduces strict intellectual property protections, making unauthorized obtaining or trafficking of trade secrets a Class X felony, particularly when done to benefit foreign governments. Whistleblowers who report undisclosed foreign gifts or contracts can receive up to 25% of any recovered penalties, and the Executive Inspector General is tasked with overseeing and enforcing these new regulations. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and applies to various educational and governmental entities across Illinois.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2366&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104