Bill > SB2430

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations to protect public higher education institutions from potential foreign adversary influences, focusing on several key areas. The legislation requires Texas higher education institutions to report and seek approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for gifts, contracts, and cultural agreements from foreign adversaries, which are specifically defined to include countries designated by the U.S. Commerce Department and Qatar. Institutions with research budgets over $10 million must implement rigorous screening processes for foreign researchers, including background checks, visa reviews, and verification of employment and educational history. The bill mandates that institutions establish international travel approval programs for faculty and researchers, maintain detailed records of foreign travel, and obtain pre-approval for employment-related international activities. Additionally, the bill increases criminal penalties for trade secret theft, elevating the offense to a second-degree felony if the theft is intended to benefit a foreign agent, government, or instrumentality. The coordinating board is tasked with maintaining a public portal disclosing reported interactions, conducting operational audits, and imposing civil and administrative penalties for non-compliance. Financial penalties can range from $10,000 to $20,000 for violations, and institutions are prohibited from using state or federal funds to pay these penalties.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2430