Education, Higher - As enacted, requires each public institution of higher education to establish a policy framework to promote the security of academic research conducted at the institution to mitigate against the risk of foreign influence. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 7.

This enacted law requires all public universities in Tennessee to create a policy framework designed to protect their academic research from foreign influence. The new rules mandate that each institution appoint a specific research security officer responsible for managing classified information, tracking foreign contacts, and ensuring compliance with federal standards. Additionally, the University of Tennessee system and the state's community college system may designate a single officer to oversee these security duties across multiple campuses. The legislation aims to maintain eligibility for federal funding by establishing clear internal procedures for handling sensitive research data.