The proposed bill would update current statutes by mandating that the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) require each public university to establish and publicly post a research security policy. This policy must include measures to protect research, promote a security culture, and comply with legal standards, while also addressing threats from foreign adversaries. Additionally, ABOR would be responsible for submitting an annual report on each university's compliance with these policies and the number of significant foreign contributions received.

The bill also introduces new provisions that require ABOR to review and potentially disapprove any foreign gifts, contracts, or partnerships unless they meet specific security assessments. It establishes the Higher Education Research Security Council to oversee these matters and includes penalties for non-compliance. Outdated provisions will be deleted, and definitions for terms like "foreign principal" will be added, enhancing the regulatory framework for foreign interactions in higher education. The act is set to be repealed after December 31, 2027, and is titled the "Research and Education Protection Act of 2026."

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-1626, 15-1635.02, 15-1625, 35-115, 15-701.01, 15-393, 15-1682.03, 15-1696, 15-1747