H.B. No. 127 establishes the Higher Education Research Security Council in Texas to bolster the security of academic research at postsecondary institutions against foreign espionage and interference. The council will comprise appointed research security officers from various university systems and will be responsible for identifying best practices, developing model research security policies, and creating an accreditation process for institutions that demonstrate security excellence. Additionally, the bill introduces regulations that prohibit institutions from accepting gifts from foreign adversaries unless they meet specific criteria, thereby ensuring that ethics policies reflect these prohibitions and that mechanisms for reporting violations are in place.

The bill also mandates a thorough screening process for foreign researchers and requires institutions to maintain records of foreign travel, submit annual reports, and establish a research security office for compliance oversight. It introduces compliance and accountability measures, including mandatory testimony from governing boards before legislative committees and compliance audits by the state auditor every four years. The bill defines terms related to foreign influence and establishes penalties for offenses benefiting foreign entities, with violations classified as third-degree felonies, escalating to second-degree felonies for intentional benefits. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance oversight, security, and integrity in higher education concerning foreign influence and funding.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 31.05 (Penal Code 31)
House Committee Report: Penal Code 31.05 (Penal Code 31)
Engrossed: Penal Code 31.05 (Penal Code 31)
Senate Committee Report: Penal Code 31.05 (Penal Code 31)
Enrolled: Penal Code 31.05 (Penal Code 31)