In an effort to shield Oklahoma's burgeoning biotech sector from potential exploitation, the Oklahoma House of Representatives, led by Rep. Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, has passed a significant piece of legislation, Senate Bill 552. This bill specifically targets the threat of hostile foreign governments seeking to leverage or manipulate the state's bioscience and research assets. Following its passage in the House, the bill awaits the governor's signature which could cement it as state law, according to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Under SB 552's provisions, state agencies funded through federal or state means would be barred from engaging in business with biotechnology firms tagged as concerns due to their affiliation with unfriendly foreign states. Duel, a combat veteran and former Army Ranger, believes that strategic measures such as this are vital to maintain state security, and ensuring that government funds don't bolster companies that could endanger national interests. He stated, "Foreign adversaries have made clear their intent to exploit sensitive biological data. We cannot allow Oklahoma’s institutions to be vulnerable to such risks," as reported by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
The bill was drafted in concert with Sen. Kelly Hines, R-Oklahoma City, who has a military background akin to Duel, serving as a retired U.S. Army Colonel. They both affirm that, while the bill puts strict limitations on certain entities, it is not an attempt to undercut the valuable contributions of international scientists and researchers in the state. "The bill targets a narrow category of foreign-government affiliated companies that are set on unlocking world-changing technologies with ill intent," as shared with the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
It is important to note, that Oklahoma legislatures are not alone in their concern, as the U.S. Senate is currently considering similar legislation. While the essence of SB 552 aligns with the anticipated federal guidelines, it puts measures into place at a state level, providing an extra layer of security even if the congressional bill fails to pass. "Senate Bill 552 strengthens national security by safeguarding our bioscience and research assets from hostile foreign governments," Hines highlighted, and pointed out that it's about, "protecting the integrity of our state’s innovation and securing the future of Oklahoma’s research sector," in a comment to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
