What is HB 127, in plain terms?

HB 127 is a Texas law that requires universities to actively protect research, data, and intellectual property from foreign espionage and undue foreign influence.

It goes beyond federal disclosure rules by requiring institutions to:

  • Identify higher‑risk foreign engagements,
  • Put formal security controls in place, and
  • Demonstrate effective governance and oversight.

So when does HB 127 apply to student organizations?

HB 127 applies only when a student organization is:

  • Directed, funded, or controlled by a foreign adversary or its agents; or
  • Acting on behalf of a foreign government to advance its political or strategic interests on campus.

The issue is foreign control or sponsorship, not culture, nationality, or views.

What is a “foreign adversary”?

A foreign adversary is a country or entity designated as such under U.S. law. Currently, this list includes the following:

  1. Russia (The Russian Federation)
  2. China (The People’s Republic of China)
  3. North Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea)
  4. Iran (The Islamic Republic of Iran)
  5. Cuba (The Republic of Cuba)
  6. The Maduro Regime of Venezuela (very specifically)

What are student organizations required to do?

a. A student organization cannot accept a gift from a foreign adversary or an agent of a foreign adversary; or enter into a contract or an agreement with a foreign adversary or an agent of a foreign adversary under which the student organization receives financial support.

b. Each student organization must annually certify to the institution the organization is compliant with (a) above.

Tarleton State responsibilities include:

Tarleton State cannot provide any benefit to a student organization that violates HB 127 and shall terminate the organization’s recognition or registration, as applicable.

What does HB 127 state regarding Student Organizations?

Sec. 51B.103. PROHIBITIONS IN RELATION TO CERTAIN FOREIGN INFLUENCE ON STUDENT ORGANIZATION

  1. A student organization at an institution of higher education may not:
    1.  accept a gift from a foreign adversary or an agent of a foreign adversary; or
    2. enter into a contract or agreement with a foreign adversary or an agent of a foreign adversary under which the student organization receives financial support.
  2. Subsection (a) does not prohibit a student organization at an institution of higher education from accepting member dues or fees.
  3. Each student organization at an institution of higher education annually shall certify to the institution the organization’s compliance with Subsection (a).
  4. Notwithstanding Section 51.9315, an institution of higher education may not provide any benefit to a student organization that violates this section. An institution of higher education that determines a student organization has violated this section shall terminate the organization’s recognition or registration, as applicable.

“Foreign adversary” means a country:

  1. identified by the United States Director of National Intelligence as a country that poses a risk to the national security of the United States in at least one of the three most recent Annual Threat Assessments of the U.S. Intelligence Community issued pursuant to Section 108B, National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. Section 3043b); or
  2. designated by the governor after consultation with the director of the Department of Public Safety.

Current Foreign Adversaries:

  1. Russia (The Russian Federation)
  2. China (The People’s Republic of China)
  3. North Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea)
  4. Iran (The Islamic Republic of Iran)
  5. Cuba (The Republic of Cuba)
  6. The Madura Regime of Venezuela (very specifically)

Questions or Need Help?

Student leaders should contact: