State Rep. Nancy Jenkins-Arno (R-Rollin Township) today supported the approval of a bill package designed to shield the state’s residents, security, and economy from the growing threats posed by foreign entities of concern.

The plan strengthens protections against foreign entities currently listed on federal watch lists, aiming to prevent them from gaining footholds in sensitive areas of Michigan’s economy, education system, and public sector

“This is about protecting Michigan’s people, communities, and sovereignty,” said Jenkins-Arno. “We cannot afford to ignore the clear and growing risks posed by foreign actors with a track record of working against American interests.”

House Bills 4233–4235 and 4238–4242 address concerns surrounding the influence of countries like China within Michigan, particularly considering recent developments involving Chinese-owned battery plants in Marshall and Big Rapids. That has raised alarms about the proximity of these facilities to National Guard bases and other critical infrastructure.

Additionally, students at the University of Michigan through a partnership with China’s Shanghai Jiao Tong University were caught near Camp Grayling during joint military exercises between the National Guard and Taiwanese troops.

House Bill 4238, sponsored by Rep. Jenkins-Arno, would ensure that public schools do not accept grants or enter into agreements conditioned upon an anti-American agenda from foreign countries of concern.

“This is about drawing a clear line when it comes to who can influence our education system,” said Jenkins-Arno. “It puts a stop to foreign adversaries using financial leverage to push propaganda in our schools. Michigan must remain a place where students learn American values, not foreign agendas.”

Other parts of the plan would:

• Prevent foreign entities of concern from collecting sensitive information by blocking prohibited apps on government devices.
• Prohibit public bodies from entering into constraining agreements with foreign countries of concern.
• Ensure public economic incentives are not awarded to foreign entities of concern.
• Protect the personal health information of Michigan residents by ensuring healthcare record technology is physically maintained in the U.S. or Canada.
• Protect the safety of Michiganders by preventing entities of concern from purchasing land near military bases and other critical infrastructure.