summary
Introduced
02/03/2025
02/03/2025
In Committee
02/27/2025
02/27/2025
Crossed Over
02/12/2025
02/12/2025
Passed
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
03/06/2025
03/06/2025
Introduced Session
2025 General Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT relating to elections; requiring groups that are influencing a statewide initiative or referendum to file statements related to funding from prohibited sources; prohibiting a foreign national from controlling or influencing the decision making of a group influencing a statewide initiative or referendum; providing a cause of action; specifying penalties; and providing for an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill creates new legal provisions to prevent foreign nationals from influencing statewide ballot measures and initiative petition drives in Wyoming. Specifically, the legislation prohibits foreign nationals (as defined by federal election law) from directing, controlling, or participating in decision-making for groups involved in ballot measures. These groups must now file certifications with the secretary of state confirming that they have not knowingly received funding from foreign sources, and they must obtain affirmations from donors that they are not foreign nationals and have not received more than $100,000 from prohibited sources in the preceding four years. The bill requires these groups to maintain detailed financial records for at least five years and gives the secretary of state the authority to bring civil actions against violators, with potential penalties of up to twice the amount of any prohibited contribution or expenditure. Additionally, the secretary of state can seek injunctive relief to prevent further violations. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and applies to both groups supporting ballot initiatives and those opposing them, with the goal of ensuring transparency and preventing foreign interference in state-level electoral processes.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Government Affairs
Sponsors (10)
Ocean Andrew (R)*,
Marlene Brady (R)*,
Kevin Campbell (R)*,
Joel Guggenmos (R)*,
Paul Hoeft (R)*,
Jayme Lien (R)*,
Darin McCann (R)*,
Jacob Wasserburger (R)*,
Nina Webber (R)*,
Robert Wharff (R)*,
Last Action
Assigned Chapter Number 121 (on 03/06/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2025/HB0337 |
| Analysis - Summary as Passed | https://www.wyoleg.gov/2025/Summaries/HB0337.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.wyoleg.gov/2025/Enroll/HB0337.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.wyoleg.gov/2025/Engross/HB0337.pdf |
| Representative Webber | https://wyoleg.gov/2025/Amends/HB0337H3001.pdf |
| Representative Webber | https://wyoleg.gov/2025/Amends/HB0337H2001.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.wyoleg.gov/2025/Introduced/HB0337.pdf |
| Fiscal Note | https://www.wyoleg.gov/2025/Fiscal/HB0337.pdf |
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