State Rep. Mike Hoadley, of Au Gres, is part of a new legislative package protecting the state from potentially harmful foreign adversaries.

The new plans would prevent foreign entities of concern from collecting sensitive information by blocking prohibited apps on government devices, stop concerning entities from buying Michigan farmland near military bases, prohibit public bodies from entering into constraining agreements with foreign countries of concern, protect against certain manipulation of school curriculums, and more.

These foreign adversaries include China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, Syria, North Korea, Venezuela and any agency or entity deemed to be under significant control of any of these nations.

“This is about protecting the interests, values and security of all of Michigan,” Hoadley said. “We have seen a troubling trend of countries hostile and disruptive towards America. These foreign powers seek only to exert greater influence within our sovereignty and steal our intellectual property. It’s time for Michigan to follow the lead of other states and pass much needed guardrails.”

Hoadley’s bill specifically prohibits the state from using the Michigan Strategic Fund to enter into or incentivize contracts with foreign adversaries of concern if the contract includes an economic incentive.

The proposals come amidst a flurry of concerning activity related to where companies with ties to foreign governments are getting involved. Gotion Inc.’s planned electric vehicle plant near Big Rapids is less than 90 miles from Camp Grayling, the U.S.’s largest National Guard training facility, and only five miles from the Big Rapids National Guard Armory. Gotion was founded in China in 2006 and remains one-third Chinese-owned. Zhen Li, chairman and CEO of Gotion, is a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee – a high-ranking advisory body to the Chinese Communist Party.

This activity is not just Michigan-related. A Chinese-based manufacturer with documented links to the Chinese Communist Party tried to purchase farmland near the Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota before the plan was struck down by local officials earlier this year.

“Without protections in place, we run the risk of sensitive information, data and technology being infiltrated,” Hoadley said. “This is an issue that is impacting us now and will continue to impact us into the future. We must protect our interests for the safety and security of people throughout northern Michigan and the state.”

The bills will soon be formally read into the record.