Bill > HB1837

This bill amends Arkansas law to prevent foreign influence in ballot measures and elections by establishing new regulations and disclosure requirements for ballot question and legislative question committees. The legislation defines "foreign nationals" broadly, including individuals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, foreign governments, foreign political parties, and entities primarily based or organized in foreign countries. The bill requires committees to certify that they have not knowingly accepted contributions over $10,000 from prohibited sources within the past four years, and prohibits foreign nationals from directly or indirectly participating in decision-making processes that could influence ballot or legislative questions. Committees must obtain donor certifications affirming they are not foreign nationals and have not accepted prohibited contributions. The Attorney General is empowered to enforce these provisions through civil actions, with potential penalties including injunctive relief and statutory damages up to twice the amount of prohibited contributions. The bill also includes privacy protections for donors, restricting governmental collection and public disclosure of donor identities except in specific investigative circumstances. These provisions aim to protect the integrity of Arkansas elections by preventing potential foreign interference in ballot measure campaigns.

Government Affairs

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1837&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R