Senate bill would tighten rules for research ties with foreign adversaries at Texas universities

The Senate Committee on Education heard an overview May 1 of Senate Bill 2430, a proposal to add new restrictions and oversight on higher-education interactions with countries defined as foreign adversaries.

Senator Hagemann presented the bill on behalf of Senator Hughes, saying federal reports have documented risks to U.S. research from foreign actors and that Texas must establish guardrails. "SB 2430 establishes chapter 51B in the Texas Education Code to regulate higher education institutions' interactions with foreign adversaries," Hagemann said.

The bill would prohibit institutions from accepting gifts, contracts or agreements from designated foreign adversaries without approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, require stricter screening for certain foreign researchers and monitored foreign travel, and restrict partnerships and software from adversary countries. It would also create a research integrity office, additional reporting and enforcement mechanisms, and enhanced penalties for trade-secret theft in the context of benefiting foreign adversaries, according to testimony.

Michael Lucci of State Armour testified in support, citing executive orders and identifying concerns about education software and campus organizations with foreign-state ties. He said the bill seeks to protect Texas research while allowing collaboration with allied countries.

The committee received invited testimony, asked questions and left the bill pending subject to the call of the chair; no committee vote was taken.