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Senate approves constitutional amendment to bar foreign donations to Louisiana elections; debate centers on noncitizen language
Summary
Senators passed a constitutional amendment, carried by Senator Seba, that would bar foreign governments, foreign entities and noncitizens from donating funds, goods or services to influence Louisiana elections. Floor debate focused on whether the language would bar lawful foreign residents or students from participating in campaign activity.
Senate Bill 109, a joint resolution by Senator Seba, passed the Senate on April 28 and would add a prohibition to the state constitution barring funds, goods or services donated by a foreign government, foreign entity or noncitizen from being used to advocate for or against a ballot proposition, candidate, issue or political party.
During floor discussion, Senator Carter asked whether the amendment would prohibit lawful foreign residents, including foreign students, from volunteering or otherwise participating in civic activities. Seba and other supporters said the measure was intended to block foreign influence from outside sovereign governments and foreign entities and to prevent outsized financial contributions from noncitizens of other countries; they said the provision would not be read to restrict civic volunteer activity by lawfully present individuals.
Senator Price raised an example of a foreign-owned plant whose employees work in Louisiana and asked whether those workers could contribute; the sponsor replied that existing election law already restricts some contributions by noncitizens and that the amendment would make the prohibition clearer in the Constitution.
Senators who spoke in support invoked concerns about foreign influence in elections and urged colleagues to vote for the amendment. The joint resolution recorded final passage on a roll call of 34 yeas and 5 nays.
