Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Guidance on Texas Executive Order GA-48
The Texas Governor issued an Executive Order, GA-48 in November 2024 relating to hardening of the state government. The order directs state agencies and Texas higher education institutions to “harden state systems and safeguard critical infrastructure, intellectual property and personal information from being accessed by hostile foreign nations that attempt to infiltrate Texas.” The order helps protect SFA and the State of Texas from cybersecurity threats and foreign interference.
The countries identified in GA-48 are listed on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s foreign adversary list under 15 C.F.R. Section 791.4. Foreign Adversary nations currently include China, including Hong Kong and Macau; Iran; Russia; Cuba; Venezuela; and North Korea. Restrictions or prohibitions under GA-48 include work or personal travel, accepting of gifts, heighted background checks, and other specific requirements for any contractors doing business with SFA.
Travel
Professional Travel
Per the Executive Order, SFA personnel are prohibited from traveling to these countries for business related purposes. Please visit the International Travel guidelines webpage for more information related to business travel.
Personal Travel
Any personal travel to these countries requires faculty and staff to disclose information about the trip. Employees must notify SFA prior to leaving and no later than 7 days after their return. Both reports do not ask for personal details but instead focus on your travel itinerary and compliance with the technology and gifts rules. If you plan on taking a trip to one of the countries listed in 15 C.F.R. Section 791.4, please send an email to sfacompliance@sfasu.edu.
Gifts
SFA faculty or staff may not accept gifts from any of the listed nations, regardless of the value. Examples of gifts include, but are not limited to, travel expenses, complimentary meals and entertainment.
If you are approached by a government official offering a gift during your trip, you should decline the offer. Employees who receive an offer of a gift from one of the identified countries should send an email to sfacompliance@sfasu.edu.