Tennessee House Bill HB1855

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/24
• Refer: 1/25/24
• Refer: 3/4/24
• Refer: 3/13/24
• Refer: 4/17/24
• Chaptered: 5/13/24
• Passed: 5/13/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 7, relative to higher education research security.

Impact

The legislation will significantly amend the existing Tennessee Code Annotated, particularly in Title 49, Chapter 7. By imposing a requirement for each public institution to adopt a research security policy, the bill aims to fortify the security culture within these educational contexts. Institutions will be held accountable for compliance with federal standards, which may affect their eligibility for federal funding. This shift highlights a proactive approach in enhancing research integrity and national security, ensuring that state laws keep pace with the evolving landscape of academic research security.

Summary

House Bill 1855 seeks to address the growing concerns surrounding academic research security within Tennessee's public institutions of higher education. It mandates that each institution must develop and implement a comprehensive research security policy that is designed to mitigate foreign threats and safeguard the integrity of academic research. This new policy framework is required to be in place by January 1, 2025, ensuring that all research conducted is protected from undue foreign influence that may compromise national security interests.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 1855 appears focused on supporting national interests and protecting academic integrity. Proponents emphasize the necessity of securing research against foreign adversaries, suggesting that these measures will ultimately lead to greater safety and trust in public education. However, potential concerns about the administrative burden on institutions and the implications for academic freedom and collaboration may lead to mixed opinions among educators and stakeholders in the higher education sector.

Contention

While the impetus behind HB 1855 is largely politicized through the lens of national security, some critics argue that the implementation of strict research security policies could stifle open academic inquiry and complicate the already nuanced landscape of research funding. There may be apprehensions regarding how rigid compliance measures could impose additional burdens on institutions, particularly smaller colleges and universities that may lack the resources to effectively implement and monitor such policies. This debate highlights a tension between the need for security and the ethos of academic freedom.