Bill > HB127

This bill establishes comprehensive measures to protect higher education institutions from potential foreign influence and espionage. The legislation creates a Higher Education Research Security Council composed of research security officers from various university systems and research institutions, tasked with developing best practices for secure academic research, vetting gifts from foreign sources, and creating a model research security policy. The bill prohibits institutions of higher education from accepting significant gifts from foreign adversaries without thorough vetting, restricts academic partnerships that could compromise institutional independence, and implements strict screening requirements for foreign researchers. Additionally, the bill mandates that institutions establish international travel monitoring programs, maintain detailed records of foreign-related activities, and conduct background checks on researchers from foreign countries or with affiliations to foreign adversaries. The legislation also increases criminal penalties for theft of trade secrets, elevating the offense to a second-degree felony if the perpetrator intends to benefit a foreign agent, government, or instrumentality. Institutions will be subject to compliance audits, and failure to adhere to these regulations could result in funding penalties. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with various provisions being implemented in stages over the following academic year.

Education, Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB127