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Bill > HB1561

AR HB1561

AR HB1561
To Establish The Research And Education Protection Act Of 2025.

summary

Introduced
02/24/2025
In Committee
03/31/2025
Crossed Over
03/17/2025
Passed
04/02/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/08/2025

Introduced Session

95th General Assembly (2025 Regular)

Bill Summary

AN ACT TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING HIGHER EDUCATION; TO ESTABLISH THE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PROTECTION ACT OF 2025; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

AI Summary

This bill establishes the Research and Education Protection Act of 2025, which aims to protect Arkansas's higher education institutions from potential foreign adversarial influences. The legislation requires institutions of higher education to disclose and seek approval for gifts and contracts valued at $250,000 or more from foreign adversaries (including countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) received after December 31, 2019. Institutions must maintain public websites detailing these gifts and contracts, and their governing boards must carefully evaluate each proposal, rejecting it unless there is an "overwhelming state or national interest." The bill introduces comprehensive screening requirements for hiring researchers from foreign adversary countries, mandating detailed background checks and submission of extensive personal and professional information. Additionally, the legislation prohibits cultural exchange agreements that might compromise academic freedom or state security, requires pre-approval for faculty travel to foreign adversary countries, and establishes strict guidelines for research partnerships. Institutions must also review and eliminate software platforms linked to foreign adversaries. Violations can result in significant penalties, including civil fines up to $20,000 and potential criminal charges for misappropriation of trade secrets, with enhanced penalties if the actions are intended to benefit foreign governments or agents.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (63)

Ricky Hill (R)*,  Stetson Painter (R)*,  Brandon Achor (R),  Wade Andrews (R),  Sonia Barker (R),  Howard Beaty (R),  Rick Beck (R),  Mary Bentley (R),  Stan Berry (R),  Harlan Breaux (R),  Keith Brooks (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),  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),  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 HB1561 is now Act 473 (on 04/08/2025)

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