HR-4484 : Still Just a Bill

The "Keeping Foreign Money out of Ballot Measures Act of 2023" (H.R. 4484) aims to prevent foreign nationals from influencing State and local elections. Specifically, the bill:

• Amends Title 18 of the United States Code to prohibit foreign nationals from making contributions or donations to support or oppose State or local ballot initiatives or referendums.
• Defines "contribution" as it is defined in the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.
• Establishes penalties for violations, including fines up to the greater of $10,000 or 300% of the contribution/donation amount, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
• Adopts the Federal Election Campaign Act's definition of "foreign national".

In essence, the bill seeks to ensure that decisions made by state and local voters are not influenced by foreign money.