Relating to prohibiting public institutions of higher education from soliciting or accepting gifts, grants, or donations from certain foreign countries.

HB 173 prohibits Texas public universities from soliciting or accepting money, gifts, or donations from specific foreign governments. It directly affects all public institutions of higher education in Texas by banning funds from China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, or any country that supports foreign terrorist organizations. The bill requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to create rules for implementation and takes effect September 1, 2025. This policy change aims to restrict financial ties between Texas universities and certain foreign entities.