SB 1585 Texas Senate · 89th Legislature (2025)

Relating to a prohibition on governmental contracts with companies of foreign adversaries for certain information and communications technology; authorizing a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.

SB 1585 would prohibit Texas government entities (including state agencies and local governments) from entering contracts with companies owned by countries designated as threats to critical infrastructure. It specifically targets companies providing information and communications technology (like cybersecurity systems) or services for critical infrastructure such as power grids, water treatment facilities, and hazardous waste systems. Violations would trigger civil penalties and potentially criminal charges. The law defines "designated countries" as those identified by the governor after consulting with the public safety director.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
May 2025
Senate Passage
May 2025
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 24, 2025 Last action May 27, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Engrossed · 11 edits · May 5, 2025
MAJOR
The bill was updated from an introduced draft to an engrossed version, adding new definitions and enforcement provisions while removing some original text. The changes expand the scope of prohibited contracts with foreign-owned technology companies and add specific verification requirements for vendors.
Scope change
The bill now explicitly includes companies identified on the FCC's covered list and those subject to Commerce Department determinations under 15 C.F.R. Part 791, in addition to previously defined foreign adversaries.
DEFINITION

Added new definition for 'Two-way communication' to clarify what constitutes bidirectional information exchange systems.

Expanded 'Foreign adversary' definition to include countries listed on the entity list under 15 C.F.R. Part 744.

Added new definition for 'Scrutinized company' to include companies on the FCC covered list and those subject to Commerce Department risk determinations.

REQUIREMENT

Added new Section 2275.0203 requiring vendors to provide written verification that they are not scrutinized companies and will not contract with them.

ENFORCEMENT

Added new Section 2275.0204 establishing procedures for investigating false verification claims and determining violations.

Added new Section 2275.0205 allowing immediate contract termination and barring vendors from state contracts for five years following violation.

Added new Section 2275.0206 requiring the comptroller to debar violators from state contracts.

Added new Section 2275.0207 establishing civil penalties equal to twice the terminated contract amount or state losses.

Added new Section 2275.0208 creating a state jail felony criminal penalty for violations.

TIMELINE

Added Section 7 specifying the bill takes effect September 1, 2025.

EXCEPTIONS

Added third exception allowing contracts with scrutinized companies if goods/services constitute a de minimis amount of total contract value.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
39
Key actions
12
Committee
11
Amendments
3
May 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report sent to Calendars
lower
May 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report distributed
lower
May 14, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)
lower
May 14, 2025
Lower · Passed
Testimony taken/registration(s) recorded in committee
lower
May 7, 2025
Committee
Referred to Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
lower
May 7, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
May 6, 2025
Introduced
Received from the Senate
lower
May 5, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed
upper
May 5, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed to engrossment as amended
upper
May 5, 2025
Upper · Passed
Amended
upper
May 5, 2025
Introduced
Amendment(s) offered
upper
Mar 26, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee report printed and distributed
upper
Mar 26, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported favorably as substituted
upper
Mar 24, 2025
Upper · Passed
Vote taken in committee
upper
Mar 17, 2025
Upper · Passed
Left pending in committee
upper
Mar 17, 2025
Upper · Passed
Testimony taken in committee
upper
Mar 10, 2025
Committee
Referred to State Affairs
upper
Mar 10, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
upper
2 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors