The bill mandates the Department of Emergency Services to conduct a comprehensive foreign adversary threat assessment, focusing on sectors and industries vulnerable to foreign influence, such as critical infrastructure, technology, agriculture, energy, and academia. The assessment will evaluate various forms of foreign influence beyond land acquisition, including strategic investments and partnerships, and will assess compliance with existing laws. The department is tasked with identifying unmonitored sectors, proposing mitigation strategies, and ultimately enhancing the state's ability to manage foreign adversarial influence while promoting economic growth and security.
By July 1, 2026, the department must produce a detailed report outlining its findings, which will include an analysis of specific threats and vulnerabilities, identification of critical risks, and sector-specific mitigation recommendations. Additionally, the report will propose the establishment of a state intelligence unit to monitor foreign adversary threats continuously. The department is required to present these recommendations and any necessary legislation to the legislative management by September 1, 2026. The findings will remain confidential and under the control of the department, classified as an exempt record.