Senate Bill No. by Senator Bass establishes the Louisiana Higher Education Research Security Council, which is designed to protect the state's educational and research institutions from foreign adversaries. This legislation, titled the "Research and Education Protection Act of 2026," outlines the council's responsibilities, including the development of research security policies, training for research security officers, and the vetting of gifts and contracts from foreign sources. The council will consist of appointed members from state educational institutions and government officials, and it will have veto authority over any partnerships with foreign adversaries. Institutions of higher education are required to seek assessments from federal law enforcement and the council before accepting such offers, ensuring a thorough review process.

The bill imposes strict regulations on interactions with foreign adversaries, prohibiting institutions and their employees from entering into contracts or partnerships with entities linked to military or intelligence operations. It mandates that institutions include prohibitions against participation in foreign recruitment programs in their employment manuals and requires annual reporting on partnerships with foreign entities. The legislation also establishes enforcement mechanisms, including investigations by the attorney general and civil penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, it prohibits student associations from accepting gifts from foreign adversaries and requires students from China to certify their non-affiliation with Chinese Communist Party-affiliated organizations. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, unless vetoed by the governor and subsequently approved by the legislature.