S.B. No. 1273 establishes the Higher Education Research Security Council in Texas, aimed at promoting secure academic research at tier one research institutions while addressing the risks of foreign espionage and interference. The council will consist of research security officers from designated institutions and will be responsible for identifying best practices, developing research security policies, and establishing an accreditation process for security excellence. Additionally, the council will provide training programs for security officers and will meet quarterly to discuss research security matters.

The bill outlines specific definitions related to the council, including terms such as "postsecondary educational institution" and "tier one research institution." It mandates that the council submit an annual report on research security status to various state officials, with the report being confidential and exempt from public disclosure. The council is also restricted from accepting donations from entities associated with foreign adversaries or prohibited from federal contracts. The council is expected to be fully operational by January 1, 2026, following the designation of its members by October 1, 2025.

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