Bill > SB152

This bill creates new provisions to prevent foreign nationals from influencing state ballot measure elections in Missouri by establishing comprehensive restrictions on foreign spending in electoral processes. The legislation defines "foreign nationals" broadly, including non-U.S. citizens, foreign governments, foreign political parties, and entities primarily based outside the United States. Committees and other organizations seeking to participate in ballot measure elections must certify that they have not received funding from prohibited sources, obtain affirmations from donors that they are not foreign nationals, and maintain detailed records of contributions and expenditures. The bill requires committees to disclose and affirm the origins of their funding, prohibits foreign nationals from directing or participating in election-related decision-making, and establishes strict enforcement mechanisms. If a committee is found to have violated these provisions, they must refund contributions, and the attorney general can pursue civil actions with potential penalties including statutory damages up to twice the amount of prohibited contributions, injunctive relief, and potential additional penalties of up to three times the statutory damages. The legislation also includes privacy protections for lawful donors to tax-exempt organizations, ensuring that investigations are conducted in a manner that shields the identity of legitimate contributors.