Prohibiting institutions of higher education from entering into employment contracts with citizens of federally designated foreign adversaries and state sponsors of terrorism holding certain visas

Where it is now

1. ✓
   Done: IntroducedJanuary 13, 2026
2. ✓
   Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 13, 2026
3. ✓
   Done: House committeeFebruary 11, 2026
4. ✓
   Done: Passes the HouseMarch 3, 202668–27
5. ✓
   Done: Senate committeeMarch 11, 2026
6. ✕
   Stopped: Passes the SenateDied when the General Assembly ended
7. Next: To the Governor
8. Next: Signed into law

Died when the session ended The 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

AI summary Starting in July 2026, state universities would be banned from hiring certain foreign workers. This rule applies to people who hold an H-1B visa and are citizens of countries that the U.S. government labels as foreign adversaries.¹

Why it matters. State regents institutions would be prohibited from hiring individuals on H-1B visas who are also citizens of nations designated as foreign adversaries by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. This policy change would apply to all employment contracts entered into on or after July 1, 2026.²

Changed since by amendment H-8095; see Amendments.

Full bill text³

Senate subcommittee

Named March 9, 2026. On March 11, 2026 it recommended passage.

• Sen. Mike Pike REmail
• Sen. Adrian Dickey REmail
• Sen. Thomas Townsend DEmail

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

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