Texas Executive Order GA-48

Pursuant to his powers as the Governor of the State of Texas, Greg Abbott issued Executive Order No. GA-48 relating to the hardening of state government on November 19, 2024.

Employees are strictly prohibited from accepting any gift, regardless of value, from an entity associated with or from engaging in professional travel to any country listed as a foreign adversary under 15 C.F.R. § 791.4 by the U.S. Department of Commerce. If an employee is approached by an individual or group representing such countries with offers of gifts, travel, or any conduct that may violate this ethics policy, the employee must report the incident using the Conflict of Interest Form provided in this Statewide Operating Procedure. 

As part of TSTC’s commitment to safeguarding institutional integrity and national security, all employees are required by the U.S. Department of Commerce to notify the College in advance of any personal travel to a nation designated as a foreign adversary under 15 C.F.R. § 791.4. Prior to departure, employees must provide written notice of their intended travel, including destination and dates. Upon return, employees are further required to submit a post-travel brief/statement outlining details of the trip, including the dates and purpose of travel. The required notice and post-travel brief may be submitted to TSTC using the Conflict of Interest Form provided in this Statewide Operating Procedure. Failure to comply with these requirements may be considered a violation of TSTC’s Code of Ethics and could result in disciplinary action. 

The foreign adversary list as of July 24, 2025, includes (1) The People's Republic of China, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macau Special Administrative Region (China), (2) Republic of Cuba (Cuba), (3) Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran), (4) Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), (5) Russian Federation (Russia), and (6) Venezuelan politician Nicolás Maduro (Maduro Regime).