Oklahoma Spending on Restricted Technology

State Blog – Oklahoma Moving in the Right Direction With Bills Banning Contracts With China

Download the Oklahoma
Fact Sheet

Overview:

Between 2018 and 2021, the state of Oklahoma spent $587,883 on restricted Chinese technology from Lexmark, Inc. and Lenovo, Inc.

Progress:

In January 2023, Sen. Micheal Bergstrom sponsored Senate Bill 43 and Senate Bill 107 prohibiting state agencies from purchasing any goods or services from or entering into contracts with any company owned or operated by the Government of China.

The Problem

Technology products by Chinese government-owned technology manufacturers Lenovo and Lexmark have been banned by U.S. military and intelligence agencies due to their connection to the Chinese government and military, but are still being purchased by state government bodies. While federal policy directs information security at the federal level, states must determine their own security standards making states vulnerable to intrusion through the purchase of these risky Chinese technology products and services.

Download the Briefing Paper

The Solution

State lawmakers can enact laws and regulations to restrict contracts with Chinese-owned or operated tech manufactures.
As awareness grows among state lawmakers, there is a shift at the state level to take these threats more seriously. Some states, such as Georgia and Florida, already have laws or regulations to restrict contracts with Chinese-owned or operated tech manufactures that can serve as model policies, and nearly a dozen more states currently considering legislation.

Learn More