The Alabama House of Representatives passed legislation on Tuesday prohibiting foreign nationals from contributing to political parties or campaigns.
Sponsored by State Rep. James Lomax (R-Hunstville), the Fair Campaign Practices Act or HB214, passed the House by a vote of 94-0 on Tuesday.
Following the bill's passage, Alabama's top elections official, Secretary of State Wes Allen, weighed in.
"Representative Lomax has been a strong advocate for HB 214 and for bolstering election security," said Allen. "Banning foreign influence in Alabama elections is a common-sense measure of election integrity. I look forward to seeing this bill pass out of the Senate and head to Governor Ivey's desk."
"Alabama's hardworking men and women deserve elections that are funded honestly and transparently. I am proud to see the Alabama House take action to protect the Alabama elections process from improper foreign influence," Allen added.
The secretary also said state and local prosecutors need the ability under state law to pursue instances of criminal foreign influence in Alabama's elections.
Under current federal law, foreign nationals are already banned from donating to political candidates or committees. However, loopholes in the law have led to millions of dollars in foreign funds being funneled to influence ballot issue campaigns, such as constitutional amendments and referendums, across the United States.
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