House Ethics and Campaign Finance panel gives favorable reports to campaign-finance measures including HB 363 on foreign contributions

The House Ethics and Campaign Finance Committee voted to give favorable reports Thursday on two campaign-finance items, including House Bill 363, which the bill sponsor said would bar foreign nationals from making contributions or expenditures in Alabama elections.

Committee members recorded the first action with minimal discussion, noting that under current law the secretary of state is required to send certified mail when a campaign filer is late. The committee called for a favorable report on that matter during the session; no bill number or mover was specified in the transcript.

Representative Wilma, sponsor of HB 363, described his measure to the panel. "HB 363 essentially, takes the FCPA and mirrors it with the current FEC laws to prohibit foreign nationals from contributing and, having any expenditures in elections within the state of Alabama," Representative Wilma said. Representative Stringer moved for a favorable report on HB 363, and Representative Wharton seconded the motion. The committee voice-voted the motion in favor.

The transcript records brief discussion and procedural motions only; no amendments, vote tallies by member, or committee debate details were recorded in the provided excerpt. The meeting concluded shortly after the votes.

Votes at a glance

- Unspecified campaign-filing item: motion for a favorable report called and approved; details (bill number, mover/second, vote tally) not specified in the transcript excerpt.

- HB 363 (sponsor: Representative Wilma): motion for a favorable report moved by Representative Stringer and seconded by Representative Wharton; committee gave a favorable report by voice vote.

The committee adjourned at the conclusion of the session recorded in the transcript excerpt.