State Representative Nancy Jenkins-Arno, R-Rollin Township, joined her Republican colleagues in introducing the Republican plan aimed at protecting Michigan’s residents, security, and economy from the threats posed by foreign entities of concern.

The plan responds to specific concerns regarding ties between Michigan to China, including Chinese battery plants in Marshall and Big Rapids, and the location between the plants and National Guard bases. The bills would protect against multiple foreign groups that are included on the federal watch list.

“Our top priority is protecting Michigan residents, and these bills take critical steps to defend our state from potential foreign threats,” said Jenkins-Arno. “We cannot wait until these risks become reality, and our economy, security, and personal information are in jeopardy.”

The bills in the package would:

• Prevent foreign entities of concern from collecting sensitive information by blocking prohibited apps on government devices.
• Prohibit state and local governments from using dangerous foreign technology, such as drones, as well as state contracting that could provide personal information to dangerous foreign entities.
• Ensure public schools, colleges, and universities do not accept grants conditioned upon an anti-American agenda from foreign countries of concern.
• 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 health care record technology is physically maintained in the U.S. or Canada.
• Protect the safety of Michiganders by preventing entities of concern from purchasing and surveilling military bases and other critical infrastructure.

“These foreign entities pose a serious risk, and it is our responsibility to act before those threats grow,” said Jenkins-Arno. “All Michiganders share the common interest and values of keeping Michigan secure, and I’m pleased to play a role in creating polices to ensure our state remains protected.”