Protecting Ballot Measures From Foreign Influence

Summary#

This bill would change the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to make it illegal for foreign nationals to give money or donations in connection with state or local ballot initiatives and ballot referenda. It does this by adding ", or a State or local ballot initiative or ballot referendum" after the word "election" in section 319(a)(1)(A) of that Act. The change applies to contributions and donations made on or after the date the bill becomes law.

What it means for you#

• If you are a foreign national: under the text of this bill, you could not give money or donations to support or oppose state or local ballot initiatives or referenda once the bill is in effect.
• If you are an individual or group involved with a ballot measure: you would need to ensure that contributions and donations you receive are not from foreign nationals for activity tied to ballot initiatives or referenda after the bill takes effect.
• If you are an election official or advisor: the bill extends the existing foreign-nationals contribution prohibition to cover state and local ballot measures starting on the bill's effective date.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on costs, budget effects, or new spending is included in the bill text or metadata provided.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information on proponents' arguments or stated reasons is included in the bill text or metadata provided.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information on opponents' arguments or stated concerns is included in the bill text or metadata provided.