TX HB127

Establishes the Higher Education Research Security Council composed of research security officers from Texas university systems and certain private R1 research institutions to develop best practices, model policies, and an accreditation process for protecting academic research from foreign espionage and interference

Prohibits Texas higher education institutions and their employees from accepting gifts from foreign adversary sources (except de minimis gifts or vetted gifts from individual foreign citizens over $25,000 with CEO approval), and bans academic partnerships with foreign adversaries that constrain institutional freedom or allow foreign control of curriculum

Requires mandatory background screening of foreign researchers before hiring for research positions or granting access to sensitive data, including verification of ties to foreign adversaries; institutions must establish research security offices and international travel approval programs

Bars student organizations at higher education institutions from accepting gifts or financial support from foreign adversaries, requiring annual compliance certification or loss of institutional recognition

Increases the criminal penalty for theft of trade secrets from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony when the offense is intended to benefit a foreign agent, foreign government, or foreign instrumentality

Requires governing boards to annually certify compliance with the chapter before spending appropriated funds; state auditor must conduct compliance audits of each institution at least every four years, with violations resulting in loss of eligibility for formula funding increases during the next biennium