SB3728 Summary: Research, Education, and Government Operations Protection Act

• Creates requirements for state agencies, political subdivisions, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions to disclose gifts and contracts from designated "countries of concern" (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, Syria, and designated terrorist organizations) to the Executive Inspector General, with approval required for future gifts and contracts.

• Restricts cultural exchange agreements and student associations at educational institutions from accepting gifts from countries of concern, and prohibits partnerships that constrain freedom of contract or allow foreign control of curricula.

• Requires higher education institutions with $10 million+ research budgets to screen applicants for research positions (including foreign nationals and those with prior affiliation in countries of concern) by collecting detailed background information and verifying employment, education, and publications before hiring.

• Establishes international travel approval and monitoring programs for research staff at institutions with $10 million+ research budgets, including pre-approval screening and annual reporting of foreign travel to countries of concern.

• Makes unauthorized obtaining, using, or trafficking of trade secrets a Class X felony, with enhanced penalties when committed to benefit a foreign government, and provides whistleblower rewards of 25% of recovered penalties; effective January 1, 2025.