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WY HB0337

WY HB0337
Prohibiting foreign funding of ballot measures.


summary

Introduced
02/03/2025
In Committee
02/27/2025
Crossed Over
02/12/2025
Passed
03/03/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
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)

Last Action

Assigned Chapter Number 121 (on 03/06/2025)

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