TX SB1273

Establishes the Higher Education Research Security Council to promote secure academic research at R1 tier one research institutions and mitigate risks of foreign espionage and interference

Council membership includes research security officers designated under Section 51.956, with private institutions able to elect participation; university systems with multiple institutions designate one voting member while others serve as nonvoting members

Council responsibilities include identifying best practices for secure research, developing mandatory research security policies for tier one institutions, establishing a security excellence accreditation process, and creating annual training programs covering background checks and security tools

Council must meet quarterly and submit confidential annual reports to the governor, attorney general, and legislative committee presiding officers on research security status and recommendations

Council may accept gifts and donations but is prohibited from accepting funding from entities barred from federal contracts, Chinese military companies, or entities owned/controlled by designated foreign adversaries

Takes effect September 1, 2025, with council members to be designated by October 1, 2025, and initial meeting by January 1, 2026