Relating to measures to protect institutions of higher education from foreign adversaries and to the prosecution of the criminal offense of theft of trade secrets; increasing a criminal penalty.

Added Texas Southern University and private tier one research institutions to the Higher Education Research Security Council membership composition.

Changed the definition of 'foreign adversary' from Commerce Department designations to include countries identified by the Director of National Intelligence or designated by the governor after consultation with the Department of Public Safety.

Added new requirements for institutions to screen foreign researchers before hiring or granting access to sensitive research data, including background checks for non-permanent resident citizens of foreign countries.

Added prohibitions on institutions entering into academic partnerships with foreign adversaries that constrain contract freedom or allow foreign direction of curriculum and values.

Added restrictions on student organizations accepting gifts from foreign adversaries or entering contracts for financial support from foreign adversaries.

Added requirements for institutions to establish international travel approval and monitoring programs for employment-related foreign travel.

Added requirements for institutions to review and prohibit education software owned or controlled by foreign adversaries.

Modified enforcement provisions to require annual compliance reports from governing boards and periodic audits by the state auditor, with funding penalties for violations.