Texas Senate Bill SB2430

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/13/25

Caption

Relating to measures to protect public institutions of higher education from foreign adversaries and to the prosecution of the criminal offense of theft of trade secrets; providing civil and administrative penalties; increasing a criminal penalty.

Impact

The legislation is expected to enforce stricter guidelines and penalties relating to the acceptance of gifts and contracts with foreign sources. Specifically, institutions will be mandated to report gifts and partnerships involving foreign adversaries to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which will oversee compliance. This may result in heightened scrutiny of existing relationships with foreign entities and could reshape how institutions engage in international collaborations, particularly those tied to research and academic programs.

Summary

SB2430 introduces measures to enhance the security of public higher education institutions in Texas against threats posed by foreign adversaries. The bill aims to ensure that institutions take adequate precautions to protect sensitive data, conduct thorough screenings of foreign researchers, and regulate contracts with entities identified as foreign adversaries. SB2430 seeks to amend the Education Code by establishing protocols for managing relationships and collaborations that are potentially influenced by foreign entities.

Contention

One of the main points of contention surrounding SB2430 involves concerns over potential barriers to collaboration and academic freedom. Critics argue that while protecting institutional interests is crucial, overly stringent regulations could stifle valuable research partnerships, inhibit knowledge exchange, and limit diversity within academic settings. Furthermore, the bill's implications for the screening and monitoring of foreign researchers have raised apprehensions regarding its potential impact on recruitment and retention in research departments, potentially leading to allegations of discrimination or bias against foreign nationals.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Penal Code

• Chapter 1. General Provisions
  • Section: New Section