Bill > HB963

This bill amends Georgia law to prohibit foreign nationals from contributing to or participating in any campaign aimed at influencing the outcome of ballot questions, such as constitutional amendments, referendums, or local ballot proposals. It defines "foreign national" broadly to include individuals who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, foreign governments, foreign political parties, and certain business entities that are foreign-owned or controlled, with specific exceptions for U.S.-based operations and decision-making by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The bill also defines "directly or indirectly" to encompass acting alone or with others, and "preliminary activity" to include actions like polling or drafting ballot language. Campaign committees involved in ballot question campaigns will be required to certify that no preliminary activity was funded by foreign nationals and that donors are not foreign nationals and have not knowingly received significant funds from foreign nationals. The bill also establishes penalties for violations and includes provisions to protect the identity of lawful donors to tax-exempt organizations, preventing public disclosure unless a donor is found to have violated the law.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72212