GOV OPERATIONS PROTECTION ACT

Creates the Research, Education, and Government Operations Protection Act. Provides that the purpose of the Act is to protect Illinois's research, educational system, and government operations from malicious influence from foreign countries of concern. Requires a State agency, political subdivision, K-12 educational institution, or institution of higher education to disclose information about gifts and contracts from specified countries of concern. Requires approval from the Executive Inspector General for gifts and contracts from countries of concern. Restricts international cultural agreements and student associations within K-12 educational institutions and higher educational institutions. Requires higher educational institutions with a research budget of $10,000,000 or more to perform specified research and foreign travel screening before accepting applicants from countries of concern or allowing travel to countries of concern. Provides that, subject to the approval of the State Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board, an institution of higher education shall only enter into a new or renew an existing academic partnership with an academic or research institution located in a country of concern under specified circumstances. Prohibits certain trade secret actions, imposing a Class X felony for violation of the provisions. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. Amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act and the Whistleblower Act to make conforming changes. Defines terms. Effective January 1, 2027.