Texas House Bill HB127

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 significantly impact the operations of higher education institutions, requiring them to enhance their compliance frameworks regarding foreign interactions. Institutions must establish international travel approval programs and monitor foreign travel by faculty and staff, which introduces additional layers of bureaucracy and oversight. The requirement for institutions to screen foreign researchers before offering them positions or access to sensitive data is designed to mitigate risks associated with intellectual property theft and espionage. This aims to safeguard not only academic integrity but also state and national security.

Summary

House Bill 127 aims to establish strong measures to protect public institutions of higher education in Texas from threats posed by foreign adversaries. It introduces new requirements for institutions regarding the acceptance of gifts and contracts, as well as stricter regulations on international partnerships and collaborations. The bill classifies certain nations as foreign adversaries and implements oversight mechanisms to ensure that any agreements with entities from these nations are evaluated for potential risks to national security. Institutions are mandated to obtain approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board before engaging with foreign sources classified as adversaries.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB 127 includes concerns about its potential to curtail academic freedom and the openness of educational institutions. Critics argue that overly restrictive measures concerning foreign partnerships may hinder collaborative research projects and cultural exchanges, which have historically benefitted the academic landscape in Texas. There's also apprehension that the bill might disproportionately impact smaller institutions that may lack the resources to comply with extensive monitoring and reporting requirements. Supporters of the bill argue that the risks of foreign influence warrant these protections and that such measures are essential for maintaining the integrity and security of Texas's educational system.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
  • Section: New Section

Penal Code

• Chapter 31. Theft
  • Section: New Section