Virginia 2025 Regular Session

Virginia House Bill HB2186

Introduced

1/7/25

Refer

1/7/25

Caption

Higher educational institutions, public; grants with foreign countries of concern prohibited, etc.

Impact

This bill would have significant ramifications for public higher education in Virginia, as it would require institutions to review their current and future international collaborations with a heightened sense of scrutiny. The mandate for a governing board or council's approval for any engagement with a foreign country of concern suggests that institutions may need to forgo potentially valuable opportunities for research funding and academic exchange programs if they do not meet safety and security assessments.

Summary

House Bill 2186 aims to amend the Code of Virginia by prohibiting public institutions of higher education from accepting grants or entering into partnerships with designated foreign countries of concern. The legislation defines a foreign country of concern as one that is a known state sponsor of terrorism or deemed a non-allied nation by the U.S. Department of State. It seeks to protect the Commonwealth's security interests by restricting interactions with specific nations in the context of academic and research collaborations.

Contention

The bill is likely to generate debate regarding the balance between protecting national security and promoting international cooperation in education. Critics might argue that such restrictions could isolate Virginia's educational institutions academically and economically, curtailing opportunities for students and faculty who could benefit from global partnerships. On the other hand, supporters may assert that the safety of the state and the nation should take precedence over these international collaborations, especially with nations that pose significant risks.

Enforcement

To support compliance, the bill outlines civil penalties for institutions that fail to adhere to the provisions, up to $25,000 per violation. Additionally, an annual reporting requirement to the General Assembly will mandate disclosure of any grants accepted or partnerships formed with foreign entities categorized as concerns within the previous fiscal year, enabling oversight and accountability for the involved institutions.