Bill > SB1327

This bill, titled the "Research and Education Protection Act of 2026," aims to enhance the security of research conducted at Arizona universities by imposing new restrictions and penalties related to foreign influence. It mandates that the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) review all gifts, contracts, academic partnerships, and research partnerships involving foreign principals, which are defined as entities or individuals from countries identified as national security risks by the U.S. Director of National Intelligence. Such arrangements must be approved only if a federal law enforcement agency assesses them as not posing a risk, the newly established Higher Education Research Security Council recommends approval, the project doesn't receive federal funding, and it doesn't involve individuals connected to a foreign principal's military or intelligence community. The bill also establishes the Higher Education Research Security Council, comprised of legislative leaders, the governor, the ABOR executive director, and university research security officers, to advise the ABOR on research security policies and review proposed foreign partnerships. Furthermore, universities are prohibited from participating in foreign principal recruitment programs and from recognizing student associations that accept gifts from or contract with foreign principals, with the Attorney General empowered to impose civil penalties for violations, including up to $10,000 for initial offenses and $20,000 for subsequent ones, and penalties against individuals who fail to disclose foreign gifts or contracts. The ABOR is also required to report annually on approved foreign partnerships and to develop a plan to eliminate the use of products or services provided by foreign principals.

Education

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84864