Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2595

Filed

2/7/25

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to prohibiting certain dealings with foreign adversaries by public schools and public institutions of higher education; providing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses.

Impact

The legislation introduces significant civil penalties for schools that violate these prohibitions, setting a penalty of $50,000 for each instance of noncompliance. Furthermore, any individual knowingly violating the provisions could face felony charges. This law aims to safeguard the integrity of education in Texas from perceived threats posed by foreign governments and to protect student and staff exchanges from potential risks associated with foreign adversaries. This could lead to stricter regulations and review processes for overseas partnerships in schools and universities.

Summary

House Bill 2595 aims to prohibit public schools and public institutions of higher education in Texas from engaging in certain dealings with defined foreign adversaries. Specifically, the bill outlines that these educational institutions cannot enter into contracts with foreign entities such as those from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, particularly regarding academic programs, collaborations, or use of educational materials produced by these adversaries. It establishes a framework for oversight and approval of educational materials before they can be used within the educational system.

Contention

While supporters argue that the bill is necessary for national security and educational integrity, opponents may contend that it oversteps by limiting collaboration and exchange opportunities that educational institutions have with international partners. Some educators and stakeholders may raise concerns about the loss of potential educational benefits, innovative collaborations, or the idea of a more globally connected educational framework. The bill's broad definitions of foreign adversaries and contracts also raise questions about its practical application and enforcement.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2821

Relating to contracts with and the acceptance of money from certain foreign sources by public schools and public institutions of higher education; providing civil penalties.

TX HB4195

Relating to contracts with and the acceptance of money from certain foreign sources by public schools and public institutions of higher education; providing administrative penalties.

TX SB2430

Relating to measures to protect public institutions of higher education from foreign adversaries and to the prosecution of the criminal offense of theft of trade secrets; providing civil and administrative penalties; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB181

Education; public schools and public postsecondary institutions shall not accept funding from or enter into contracts with foreign adversaries; provide

TX HB2661

Enacting the foreign adversaries out of higher education act to prohibit postsecondary educational institutions from accepting gifts, grants and other moneys from foreign adversaries and their affiliates, prohibiting certain foreign adversary affiliates from operating on campuses and providing training and education on such foreign adversaries and their affiliates.

TX HB127

Relating to measures to protect institutions of higher education from foreign adversaries and to the prosecution of the criminal offense of theft of trade secrets; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB2514

Relating to establishing the hostile foreign adversaries unit at the Department of Public Safety and training, prohibitions, and reporting requirements designed to combat foreign influence and foreign adversary operations; creating a criminal offense.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.