Bill > HB1800

This bill amends Arkansas campaign finance and ethics laws to introduce new disclosure requirements for representatives of hostile foreign principals and foreign-supported political organizations. Specifically, the bill requires any person acting as a representative of a hostile foreign principal (defined as agents or employees of countries like China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran) to file a registration statement with the Secretary of State within ten days of becoming such a representative, detailing their business addresses and nature of work. Similarly, foreign-supported political organizations must annually register and provide information about their organizational structure, expenditures aimed at influencing state policies or elections, and funds received from hostile foreign principals. The bill defines "hostile foreign nations" and "political activity" and establishes penalties for non-compliance, including civil fines up to $500 per violation and up to $2,000 for willful or repeated violations. The legislation also expands the Arkansas Ethics Commission's authority to investigate and enforce these new disclosure requirements, reflecting legislative concerns about transparency in political activities potentially influenced by foreign interests.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1800&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R