This bill prohibits nationals of the People's Republic of China (PRC) from enrolling in master's and doctorate degree programs, participating in research, and holding full-time employment at public institutions of higher education in New Hampshire. It defines "PRC national" as any citizen or agent of the PRC who is not a U.S. citizen, including individuals with ties to the PRC government. Institutions are required to prevent PRC nationals from engaging in these activities and are prohibited from entering partnerships with PRC-affiliated entities. Current PRC nationals enrolled will have 90 days to withdraw voluntarily, after which they will face penalties, including mandatory expulsion and potential referral to federal authorities. The bill also mandates that the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) obtain notarized affidavits from all applicants and current students, significantly increasing administrative burdens.

The bill establishes penalties for violations, including fines for institutions and class A misdemeanor charges for individuals, with the attorney general responsible for enforcement. Institutions that fail to comply may face revocation of state funding or accreditation. The financial implications are considerable, with the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) anticipating increased expenses for compliance and recordkeeping, potentially leading to higher tuition or reduced financial aid. CCSNH estimates implementation costs for the affidavit process could range from $100,000 to $500,000 annually, alongside potential revenue losses from disenrollment. Overall, the bill's requirements could create substantial operational and financial challenges for both educational systems.