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AR SB317

AR SB317
To Prohibit An Institution Of Higher Education From Participating In Certain Activities With A Prohibited Foreign Party.


summary

Introduced
02/26/2025
In Committee
03/13/2025
Crossed Over
03/10/2025
Passed
03/18/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
03/20/2025

Introduced Session

95th General Assembly (2025 Regular)

Bill Summary

AN ACT TO AMEND THE LAW REGARDING HIGHER EDUCATION; TO PROHIBIT AN INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION FROM PARTICIPATING IN CERTAIN ACTIVITIES WITH A PROHIBITED FOREIGN PARTY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

AI Summary

This bill aims to prohibit institutions of higher education from engaging in specific activities with a "prohibited foreign party," which is defined by reference to another section of Arkansas law (§ 18-11-802). The prohibited activities include conducting classified research, performing agricultural research under contract, selling agricultural products (including seeds), producing agricultural products, and entering into nondisclosure agreements with such parties. By establishing these restrictions, the bill seeks to limit interactions between higher education institutions and certain foreign entities that are deemed potentially problematic or risky. The bill appears designed to protect state educational institutions from potential security risks or undue foreign influence, particularly in sensitive research and agricultural domains. The provisions would apply to all public and private institutions of higher education within the state of Arkansas, and the restrictions would take effect upon the bill's approval.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (63)

Blake Johnson (R)* Chad Puryear (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),  Stetson Painter (R),  Shad Pearce (R),  Mark Perry (D),  Aaron Pilkington (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 SB317 is now Act 351 (on 03/20/2025)

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