The "Foreign Influence Operations Out of American Education Act" aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 59-101-425, which prohibits public institutions of higher learning from soliciting or accepting gifts or travel from foreign adversary nations, foreign principals, or foreign terrorist organizations. The bill seeks to restrict foreign influence on hiring practices, curriculum development, and campus organizations, while also mandating the disclosure of any gifts or contracts from foreign entities to the Office of the State Treasurer. Institutions must report gifts valued at $10,000 or more, or aggregating $50,000 within a year, and provide detailed information about the donor, the purpose of the gift, and any stipulations attached.

Additionally, the bill establishes a Committee to Review Foreign Contributions, which will consist of nine members appointed by various state officials. This committee will identify foreign nations or principals that are prohibited from funding public institutions and will report its findings annually to the General Assembly. Institutions may apply for waivers to accept gifts under certain conditions, and the act will take effect on July 1, 2027, applying to all funding relationships established after that date. The legislation also includes provisions for enforcement and compliance checks by the Office of the State Treasurer and the Attorney General.

Statutes affected:
04/02/2026: 59-101-425
Latest Version: 59-101-425