HB 127 – Hostile Foreign Influence

HB 127, as substituted in the Senate, seeks to protect Texas universities from foreign adversaries by creating a centralized oversight council and implementing strict rules for foreign gifts, contracts, and research partnerships. Institutions must now thoroughly vet foreign nationals involved in sensitive research and cannot enter into partnerships that compromise academic integrity or security. By requiring transparency in foreign funding and restricting foreign influence over student groups and travel, this bill aims to close backdoors that could lead to intellectual property theft or propaganda infiltration. This bill defends taxpayer-funded research from misuse by hostile nations and ensures that public resources aren’t diverted toward entities that could undermine state or national security. The bill is also a preventive measure that could save millions in stolen innovation and mitigate future national security costs.