Stop Foreign Interference in Ballot Measures Act

1/11/2023, 1:46 PM

Stop Foreign Interference in Ballot Measures Act

This bill prohibits contributions or donations by foreign nationals in connection with state or local ballot initiatives or referenda.

Bill 117 HR 1516, also known as the Stop Foreign Interference in Ballot Measures Act, aims to address concerns about foreign entities influencing ballot measures in the United States. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and is currently under consideration.

The main provisions of the bill include requiring any organization that spends money to influence a ballot measure to disclose any foreign contributions they receive. This transparency measure is intended to prevent foreign entities from secretly funding campaigns to sway the outcome of ballot measures.

Additionally, the bill prohibits any foreign national, government, or entity from directly or indirectly contributing to a ballot measure campaign. This is to ensure that decisions made by American voters are not unduly influenced by foreign interests. The Stop Foreign Interference in Ballot Measures Act also establishes penalties for violations of these provisions, including fines and potential criminal charges for individuals or organizations found to be in violation. Overall, the goal of this legislation is to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process by preventing foreign interference in ballot measures and ensuring that decisions made by American voters are based on accurate and transparent information.
Congress
117

Number
HR - 1516

Introduced on
2021-03-02

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

3/2/2021

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Stop Foreign Interference in Ballot Measures Act

This bill prohibits contributions or donations by foreign nationals in connection with state or local ballot initiatives or referenda.

Bill 117 HR 1516, also known as the Stop Foreign Interference in Ballot Measures Act, aims to address concerns about foreign entities influencing ballot measures in the United States. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and is currently under consideration.

The main provisions of the bill include requiring any organization that spends money to influence a ballot measure to disclose any foreign contributions they receive. This transparency measure is intended to prevent foreign entities from secretly funding campaigns to sway the outcome of ballot measures.

Additionally, the bill prohibits any foreign national, government, or entity from directly or indirectly contributing to a ballot measure campaign. This is to ensure that decisions made by American voters are not unduly influenced by foreign interests. The Stop Foreign Interference in Ballot Measures Act also establishes penalties for violations of these provisions, including fines and potential criminal charges for individuals or organizations found to be in violation. Overall, the goal of this legislation is to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process by preventing foreign interference in ballot measures and ensuring that decisions made by American voters are based on accurate and transparent information.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit contributions and donations by foreign nationals in connection with State or local ballot initiatives or referenda.

Policy Areas
Government Operations and Politics

Potential Impact
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation•
State and local government operations

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary4/20/2021

Stop Foreign Interference in Ballot Measures Act

This bill prohibits contributions or donations by foreign nationals in connection with state or local ballot initiatives or referenda.


Latest Action3/2/2021
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.