Today, Governor Kim Reynolds signed her eighteenth executive order to strengthen protections and reduce vulnerabilities against potential threats by the Chinese government.
Executive Order 18 directs the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to conduct an annual state risk assessment that includes, but is not limited to, vulnerabilities to cybersecurity attacks, economic security, and public health. The department is also tasked with conducting an annual vulnerability study of the state’s critical infrastructure. Beginning on or before July 1, 2026, these reports will be submitted annually to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President of the Senate.
“As foreign adversaries like the communist regime in China continue seeking ways to penetrate American markets—putting U.S. citizens at risk—I will make certain our systems are fortified to protect Iowans from these threats,” Governor Reynolds said. “We must ensure our state operations are resilient against any hostile actions aimed at undermining our state and nation.”
Gov. Reynolds’ order also directs the Iowa Department of Administrative Services and the Iowa Department of Management to ensure that no equipment, supplies, services, or information technology be purchased or procured from a “prohibited company” as defined by Iowa Code; requires that commodities used by the state are not susceptible to exploitation by any prohibited company; and requires all vendors seeking to do business with the state to disclose any relationship with a prohibited company.
The Governor’s executive order also directs the Board of Regents to compile a report of all gifts, contracts, agreements, arrangements, and other exchanges between regent universities and Chinese educational institutions over the past five years. The report is due within 180 days of signing of the executive order.