FL H7017

Creates disclosure requirements for state agencies and political subdivisions receiving gifts or grants valued at $50,000 or more from foreign sources, with mandatory reporting to the Department of Financial Services within 30 days.

Requires entities applying for state grants or contracts valued at $100,000 or more to disclose any interests in, contracts with, or gifts from designated foreign countries of concern within the previous 5 years, with values of $50,000 or more.

Prohibits state agencies, political subdivisions, public schools, state colleges, and universities from participating in agreements with or accepting grants from designated foreign countries of concern (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, Syria) if such agreements constrain freedom of contract, allow foreign control of curriculum, or threaten U.S. security.

Requires higher education institutions to semiannually report gifts valued at $50,000 or more from foreign sources to the Board of Governors or State Board of Education, with civil penalties up to 105 percent of undisclosed gifts and whistle-blower reward provisions.

Establishes screening requirements for state universities with $10 million+ research budgets for foreign applicants and researchers, including background verification, and mandates international travel approval programs for faculty and research staff.