Tri-City Sun

State Representative Bill G. Schuette has put forward a legislative proposal aimed at curbing foreign influence from certain countries in Michigan. The bill, part of a broader package, seeks to protect the state's residents, security, and economy from various threats.

House Bill 4240, introduced by Schuette, would prevent public bodies in Michigan from entering into binding agreements with foreign entities considered concerning. This measure is particularly relevant as companies with ties to foreign governments have shown interest in establishing operations near sensitive sites within the state.

"From my experience as an Intelligence Officer with the Defense Department, I know firsthand there are adversaries out there who are looking to steal our data, secure beneficial reconnaissance and undermine our state and country where they can," Schuette stated. "Building in these commonsense safeguards will protect our state and national interests."

The package includes additional bills that aim to block foreign entities of concern from collecting sensitive information through prohibited apps on government devices and ensure that public economic incentives are not awarded to such entities. Furthermore, it aims to safeguard personal health information by requiring that healthcare record technology be physically maintained in the U.S. or Canada. It also seeks to prevent these entities from purchasing land or surveilling military bases and other critical infrastructure.

These legislative measures target dangerous entities listed on the federal watch list: The People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Republic of Cuba, Venezuela under Nicolas Maduro's regime, and the Syrian Arab Republic.

Schuette has been a consistent advocate for initiatives protecting Michigan against potential national security threats. In his previous term, he proposed an amendment requiring a report on any foreign involvement in projects potentially receiving funds from Michigan's Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve (SOAR) fund.

The House Bills numbered 4233-42 have been forwarded to the House Government Operations Committee for further deliberation.