GOV OPERATIONS PROTECTION ACT

Creates the Research, Education, and Government Operations Protection Act. Defines terms. Provides that the purpose of the Act is to protect Illinois' research, educational system, and government operations from malicious influence from foreign countries of concern. Requires a State agency, political subdivision, institution of K-12 education, or institution of higher education to disclose information about gifts and contracts from specified countries of concern, and requires approval from the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor for gifts and contracts from counties of concern. Restricts international cultural agreements and student associations within institutions of K-12 education and institutions of higher education. Requires institutes of higher education with a research budget of $10,000,000 or more to perform specified research and foreign travel screening before accepting applicants from countries of concern or allowing travel to countries of concern. Provides that, subject to the approval of the State Board of Higher Education and Illinois Community College Board, an institution of higher education shall only enter into a new or renew an existing academic partnership with an academic or research institution located in a country of concern under specified circumstances. Prohibits certain trade secret actions, imposing a Class X felony for violation of the provisions. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act and Whistleblower Act to make conforming changes. Effective January 1, 2026.