Committee advances ban on foreign funding for statewide ballot measures after contentious hearing

Representative Braxton Mitchell introduced House Bill 818 on March 1, 2025, a measure that would prohibit foreign nationals from funding efforts to influence statewide ballot initiatives in Montana.

Supporters told the House State Administration Committee the bill fills a gap in Montana law by applying the same ban on foreign contributions that already exists for candidate elections to statewide ballot measures. Opponents — including nonprofit groups and tribal representatives — said the bill would expand investigatory authority, carry severe penalties, and risk chilling lawful nonprofit advocacy and donor privacy.

"House Bill 8 18 is a straightforward bill," sponsor Representative Braxton Mitchell said in opening remarks, saying the bill would "prevent foreign nationals from funding efforts to influence…