S.B. No. 2514 establishes a Hostile Foreign Adversaries Unit within the Texas Department of Public Safety, aimed at combating foreign influence and operations that threaten the state's safety and security. The bill introduces a new subchapter, Subchapter S, to Chapter 411 of the Government Code, which defines "foreign adversary operation" and outlines the unit's responsibilities, including preventing harassment of residents, strengthening state agencies against foreign threats, and protecting critical infrastructure. The unit is also tasked with submitting a biennial report to the governor and legislature assessing the threats posed by foreign adversary operations and collaborating with local and federal agencies.

Additionally, the bill amends Chapter 572 of the Government Code to include prohibitions and reporting requirements related to foreign influence. It prohibits state agency employees and volunteers from accepting gifts or travel from foreign adversaries and mandates reporting any interactions with representatives of such adversaries. Violations of these provisions are classified as state jail felonies. The bill also enhances cybersecurity training programs to include education on foreign adversary threats and requires reporting suspected foreign influence operations. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 411.002, Government Code 571.071 (Government Code 571, Government Code 411)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 2054.519 (Government Code 571, Government Code 2054, Government Code 411)
Engrossed: Government Code 2054.519 (Government Code 571, Government Code 2054, Government Code 411)
House Committee Report: Government Code 2054.519 (Government Code 571, Government Code 2054, Government Code 411)
Enrolled: Government Code 2054.519 (Government Code 571, Government Code 2054, Government Code 411)