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Committee clears bill barring state use of U.S.-designated biotechnology companies of concern; unanimous vote
Summary
Senate Bill 552, a two-page bill that would prohibit Oklahoma state agencies that receive federal or state funds from using equipment or services from U.S.-designated biotechnology companies of concern, passed the Technology & Telecommunications Committee unanimously, 7-0.
Senate Bill 552, sponsored by Senator Hines, would prohibit any Oklahoma state agency that receives federal or state funding from using equipment, services, procedures or technologies originating from companies the U.S. government designates as "biotechnology companies of concern" because of close associations with hostile foreign governments. The committee passed the bill unanimously, 7-0.
Senator Hines briefly described the bill as a measure to protect Oklahoma's bioscience and research assets from inadvertent exploitation by hostile foreign governments. "If the U.S. government designates a company to be a biotechnology company of concern due to its close association of hostile foreign governments, any Oklahoma state agency that receives federal or state funds shall not use the biotech equipment or services that originate from that company," Hines said.
Committee members offered no questions or debate during the presentation; the committee recorded a unanimous voice and roll-call vote in favor of the bill.
Votes at a glance Senate Bill 552 (bioscience vendor restriction): Passed committee, 7 ayes, 0 nays.
What's next SB 552 will move to the full Senate for further consideration.
