Bill > HB793

This bill modifies Missouri's campaign finance laws to restrict foreign influence on ballot measures. It introduces new definitions and regulations specifically targeting foreign nationals' involvement in ballot initiative campaigns. The key provisions include prohibiting foreign nationals from contributing to, directing, or participating in ballot measure campaigns, requiring campaign committees to certify that they have not accepted more than $10,000 from prohibited sources in the past four years, and mandating that campaign treasurers obtain affirmations from donors that they are not foreign nationals. The bill establishes detailed reporting and certification requirements for campaign committees, with strict penalties for violations, including potential refunds of contributions, disgorgement of funds, and statutory damages up to twice the amount of prohibited contributions. The legislation also includes protections for donor privacy, particularly for tax-exempt organizations, and provides a detailed legal process for investigating and adjudicating potential violations, including a probable cause hearing and the right to expedited appeal. The Missouri Ethics Commission is empowered to bring civil actions to enforce these new provisions, with the burden of proof placed on the commission.

Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB793&year=2025&code=R