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Stop Higher Education Espionage and Theft Act of 2023
12/15/2023, 3:54 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1146
The key provisions of the bill include requiring higher education institutions to develop and implement security protocols to safeguard research and intellectual property, as well as to conduct regular assessments of potential vulnerabilities. The bill also calls for increased collaboration between universities and federal agencies to share information and resources to combat espionage and theft.
Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for individuals or entities found guilty of engaging in espionage or theft of intellectual property from higher education institutions. These penalties may include fines, imprisonment, or both. Overall, the Stop Higher Education Espionage and Theft Act of 2023 aims to strengthen the security measures in place at higher education institutions to protect valuable research and intellectual property from being compromised by foreign entities.
Congressional Summary of HR 1146
Stop Higher Education Espionage and Theft Act of 2023
This bill establishes a process for designating foreign actors as foreign intelligence threats to higher education.
Specifically, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) must designate a foreign actor as a foreign intelligence threat to higher education if the foreign actor has committed, attempted to commit, or conspired to commit certain actions in connection with an institution of higher education (IHE), such as espionage, misuse of visas, or theft of trade secrets. Prior to making such a designation, the FBI must submit notice to Congress and the Department of Justice.
Upon the designation of a foreign actor as a threat, the Department of State must revoke the nonimmigrant visa issued to the foreign actor present in the United States, and the Department of Homeland Security must initiate removal proceedings against the foreign actor.
Additionally, the bill provides for judicial review and a process for revoking a foreign actor's designation as a threat.
Finally, the bill also expands disclosure requirements related to foreign gifts or contracts, including by requiring an IHE to disclose to the Department of Education any gift or contract with a foreign intelligence threat, including the fair market value of the gift or contract.
