Texas Lawmakers and Governor Abbott Focus on Limiting Foreign Influence in State Education and Research
Texas lawmakers are examining the measures taken by colleges to protect research from foreign adversaries, while Governor Greg Abbott plans to introduce new initiatives aimed at curbing foreign influence in the state's education system. The House Higher Education Committee is reviewing screening, reporting, and oversight mechanisms, particularly in relation to House Bill 127. This law, authored by Rep. Terry M. Wilson, R-Georgetown, established the Higher Education Research Security Council and implemented safeguards for researchers, foreign gifts, academic partnerships, and work-related travel. Under HB 127, Texas universities must screen foreign citizens who are not permanent residents, as well as individuals with ties to foreign adversaries, before hiring them for research positions or granting them access to research data. The law also prohibits state universities and their employees from accepting gifts from foreign-adversary governments or entities, with exceptions for individual citizens after revie... 
