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Stop Higher Education Espionage and Theft Act of 2023
12/15/2023, 4:05 PM
Summary of Bill S 360
The key provisions of the bill include requiring higher education institutions to develop and implement security protocols to safeguard sensitive research and intellectual property. It also calls for increased collaboration between universities and federal agencies, such as the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, to identify and prevent potential threats to academic research.
Additionally, the bill proposes the establishment of a task force to investigate and prosecute cases of espionage and theft in higher education. This task force would work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that individuals or entities found guilty of stealing intellectual property face appropriate legal consequences. Overall, the Stop Higher Education Espionage and Theft Act of 2023 aims to strengthen the security measures in place at higher education institutions and protect valuable research and intellectual property from being compromised. By addressing these issues, the bill seeks to safeguard the integrity of academic research and innovation in the United States.
Congressional Summary of S 360
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 requires 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.
