HB 1561-FN (2026): prohibiting nationals of the People's Republic of China from enrollment in masters and doctorate degree programs, participation in research, and full time employment at public institutions of higher education.
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- “HB 1561-FN (2026): prohibiting nationals of the People's Republic of China from enrollment in masters and doctorate degree programs, participation in research, and full time employment at public institutions of higher education.” Granite Record, https://graniterecord.org/bill/2026/hb1561. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.
- APA
- Granite Record. (n.d.). HB 1561-FN (2026): prohibiting nationals of the People's Republic of China from enrollment in masters and doctorate degree programs, participation in research, and full time employment at public institutions of higher education. Retrieved 19 Oct. 2026, from https://graniterecord.org/bill/2026/hb1561
- Chicago
- Granite Record. “HB 1561-FN (2026): prohibiting nationals of the People's Republic of China from enrollment in masters and doctorate degree programs, participation in research, and full time employment at public institutions of higher education.” Accessed 19 Oct. 2026. https://graniterecord.org/bill/2026/hb1561.
- BibTeX
@misc{bill-2026-hb1561, title = {HB 1561-FN (2026): prohibiting nationals of the People's Republic of China from enrollment in masters and doctorate degree programs, participation in research, and full time employment at public institutions of higher education.}, howpublished = {Granite Record}, url = {https://graniterecord.org/bill/2026/hb1561}, note = {Accessed 19 Oct. 2026} }
HB 1561-FN (2026)
prohibiting nationals of the People's Republic of China from enrollment in masters and doctorate degree programs, participation in research, and full time employment at public institutions of higher education.
- Status: Killed
- Term: 2025-2026
- House committee: Education Funding
- Subject: Education - Finance
The Story
It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the House Education Funding committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 13, 2026, with 147 people signed in online: 4 in support and 143 in opposition. The committee met in executive session on February 17, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The majority recommended that the House pass it with changes (amendment 2026-0797h), and the minority recommended that the House kill it, by a vote of 9–8. The report was placed on the regular calendar. The committee's amendment (2026-0797h) was adopted on a voice vote on March 11, 2026, changing the text of the bill. On March 11, 2026 the House rejected a motion to pass it with changes on a roll call 157–173. On March 11, 2026 the House voted to kill it on a division vote 186–145.
Sponsors
- Rep. Mike Belcher (R - Carr 4) (prime sponsor)
- Rep. Travis Corcoran (R - Hills 28)
- Rep. Kristine Perez (R - Rock 16)
- Rep. Shane Sirois (R - Hills 32)
- Rep. Paul Terry (R - Belk 7)
Hearings and Sessions
- February 13, 2026, 10:00 AM: public hearing, House Education Funding, GP 232
- February 17, 2026, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Education Funding, GP 232
- March 11, 2026: floor debate, House
Votes
- March 11, 2026, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment — yeas 157, nays 173, failed
- March 11, 2026, House: Inexpedient to Legislate — yeas 186, nays 145, passed
The Docket
- January 7, 2026: Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Education Funding
- February 13, 2026: Public Hearing: 02/13/2026 10:00 am GP 232
- February 17, 2026: Executive Session: 02/17/2026 10:00 am GP 232
- February 18, 2026: Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0797h (NT) 02/18/2026 (Vote 9-8; RC) HC 10A P. 1
- February 27, 2026: Minority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate
- March 11, 2026: Amendment # 2026-0797h (NT): AA VV 03/11/2026
- March 11, 2026: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0797h: MF RC 157-173 03/11/2026
- March 11, 2026: Inexpedient to Legislate: MA DV 186-145 03/11/2026