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 identified as foreign missions to the Higher Education Policy Commission or the Council for Community and Technical College Education by July 1, 2025, and to disclose funding sources from such missions.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that state institutions of higher education inform their employees about these prohibitions and require them to disclose any participation in foreign talent recruitment programs. Institutions must review and potentially terminate any employee involvement that poses a conflict of interest. The Higher Education Policy Commission and the Council for Community and Technical College Education are tasked with submitting reports to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability by September 15, 2025, detailing compliance with the new regulations. Overall, the American Campuses Act seeks to safeguard state higher education institutions from foreign influence that could compromise their integrity and security.

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