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Bill

HB 1561

TO ESTABLISH THE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PROTECTION ACT OF 2025.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Achor and 62 co-sponsors

The Research and Education Protection Act safeguards Arkansas's higher education by requiring disclosure of foreign gifts over $250,000 to prevent foreign influence.

Notification that HB1561 is now Act 473
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Bill Summary · HB 1561

Summary of House Bill 1561: Research and Education Protection Act of 2025

Overview

House Bill 1561, now known as Act 473, was introduced on February 24, 2025, and aims to establish the Research and Education Protection Act of 2025. The primary intent of this legislation is to safeguard Arkansas's higher education and research institutions from potential malign influences, particularly from foreign adversaries.

Key Provisions

The Act introduces several important provisions, including:

Definitions

  • Foreign Adversaries: The bill identifies specific countries considered foreign adversaries, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, Syria, and designated foreign terrorist organizations.
  • Gifts and Contracts: Institutions must disclose any gifts valued at $250,000 or more received from foreign adversaries after December 31, 2019. This includes donations, endowments, and other forms of financial support.

Reporting Requirements

  • Institutions of higher education are required to report any potential gifts from foreign adversaries to their governing boards. This is intended to enhance transparency and accountability regarding foreign funding.

Cultural Exchange Agreements

  • The bill outlines the need for institutions to disclose any agreements related to cultural exchanges or academic collaborations with foreign adversaries.

Affected Entities

The legislation primarily impacts:
- Institutions of Higher Education: This includes state-supported universities and independent nonprofit colleges within Arkansas.
- Affiliate Organizations: Entities that support or are controlled by these educational institutions.

Fiscal Impact

According to the fiscal impact statement prepared by the Arkansas Department of Education, the Act is not expected to have a significant financial impact. Institutions already report foreign gifts to other entities, so the new requirements will not incur additional costs.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 24, 2025: Bill filed and introduced.
  • March 12, 2025: Amendments adopted; bill engrossed.
  • April 1, 2025: Passed by both the House and Senate.
  • April 8, 2025: Notification that HB 1561 is now Act 473.

Conclusion

The Research and Education Protection Act of 2025 aims to enhance the integrity and security of Arkansas's educational institutions by imposing stricter reporting requirements on foreign gifts and collaborations. By doing so, it seeks to protect the state's research and educational systems from undue foreign influence.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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