The "Research and Education Protection Act of 2025" seeks to amend Arkansas law to enhance the security and transparency of higher education institutions in their dealings with foreign adversaries, specifically naming countries such as China, Russia, and Iran. The bill establishes a new subchapter under Arkansas Code Title 6, Chapter 60, which requires institutions of higher education to disclose any gifts or contracts valued at $250,000 or more from these foreign entities. Institutions must maintain public websites detailing the nature of these gifts and contracts, and governing boards must approve any proposed agreements, with a presumption against acceptance unless there is a compelling state or national interest.

In addition to disclosure requirements, the bill introduces regulations for travel to foreign adversary countries, mandating preapproval from the research compliance office for faculty and researchers. It also sets forth guidelines for partnerships with foreign entities, including safeguards for intellectual property and the authority for governing boards to reject or terminate such partnerships. The legislation imposes penalties for non-compliance, including civil fines and criminal classifications for misappropriation of trade secrets, and it prohibits registered student organizations from engaging with foreign adversaries. Overall, the bill aims to bolster accountability and oversight in higher education's interactions with foreign entities.