The "Research and Education Protection Act of 2026" establishes the Louisiana Higher Education Research Security Council to protect the state's higher education and research institutions from foreign adversaries. The council will develop research security policies, provide training for research security officers, and vet gifts, contracts, or partnerships from foreign entities. It will also collaborate with intelligence firms to identify national security threats and report biennially on research security status. The bill includes definitions of key terms and outlines the council's composition, which includes representatives from state government, educational institutions, and law enforcement.

The legislation imposes strict approval requirements for higher education institutions regarding foreign partnerships, mandating assessments from federal law enforcement to evaluate potential risks. The council has veto authority over such partnerships, and institutions must maintain a public web portal for transparency. Additionally, the bill prohibits contracts with entities linked to foreign adversaries' military or intelligence operations and requires institutions to adopt policies to prevent foreign influence. It also introduces penalties for non-compliance, including civil violations and protections for whistleblowers. The act will take effect on January 1, 2027, or the day following legislative approval if vetoed by the governor.