Bill > SB1060

This bill establishes new regulations for political campaign committees in Tennessee concerning foreign national involvement in campaign financing. The legislation defines key terms like "foreign national" (which includes non-U.S. citizens, foreign governments, foreign political parties, and entities organized outside the U.S.) and "independent expenditure" (spending on campaign communications not coordinated with a campaign committee). The bill prohibits political campaign committees from receiving, soliciting, or accepting contributions from foreign nationals, either directly or indirectly. Campaign committees must file certifications with the Registry of Election Finance confirming that no preliminary campaign activities were funded by prohibited sources, and they must obtain donor affirmations that contributors are not foreign nationals. The bill also mandates that political campaign committees and independent expenditure makers keep detailed financial records for at least two years after an election. If violations are found, penalties can include returning contributions, disgorgement of funds, injunctive relief, and statutory damages up to twice the amount of prohibited contributions. Importantly, the bill includes privacy protections for donors to tax-exempt organizations, ensuring that investigations do not unnecessarily expose donor identities. The legislation aims to prevent foreign interference in Tennessee's political campaign processes while maintaining donor privacy and establishing clear enforcement mechanisms.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1060&ga=114