The proposed bill, known as the American Campuses Act, aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by establishing regulations concerning state higher education institutions' interactions with foreign entities deemed as "Foreign Countries of Risk." Specifically, the bill prohibits these institutions from establishing or recognizing designated foreign missions from countries such as China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, effective July 1, 2025. Additionally, it forbids participation in any Foreign Government-Sponsored Talent Recruitment Programs associated with these countries. Institutions are required to report any existing programs or funding from these foreign missions to the Higher Education Policy Commission or the Council for Community and Technical College Education by July 1, 2025, and annually thereafter.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that state institutions inform their employees about these prohibitions and requires them to disclose any participation in relevant foreign recruitment programs. Institutions must review such participation for potential conflicts of interest and may grant a six-month extension for employees to terminate their involvement if compliance is being pursued. By September 15, 2025, the Higher Education Policy Commission and the Council for Community and Technical College Education must report to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability regarding compliance with these regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18B-2D-1