Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Elections Foreign Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee weighs HB818 to block foreign nationals from funding statewide ballot measures
Summary
Rep. Braxton Mitchell’s HB818 would ban foreign nationals from contributing to or influencing statewide ballot initiatives; supporters cited large out‑of‑state donations (16|30 fund) and foreign donors, while nonprofits warned the bill’s enforcement and disclosure mechanics could chill lawful civic activity. Committee held robust testimony and proponents sought a due pass.
Representative Braxton Mitchell opened House Bill 818 as a measure to prohibit foreign nationals from funding or otherwise influencing statewide ballot initiatives. The sponsor framed the bill as an effort to protect the integrity of Montana’s ballot process and cited recent campaigns where large, out‑of‑state expenditures shaped outcomes.
Proponents included a representative of the Secretary of State’s office (Austin James, SEG 3575) and national election‑integrity groups who provided tracing of large outside donations to groups like the 16|30 Fund and referenced a Swiss donor cited in public reporting (SEG 3680–3723). They argued that constitutional and ballot decisions should be financed and settled by U.S. citizens and Montana residents.
Opponents — including the Montana Nonprofit Association (Laurieann Burhop SEG 3822) — warned the bill’s investigatory and disclosure mechanisms could expose nonprofit donor lists to harassment and chill protected First Amendment activity. Testimony also raised concerns about how civil penalties and misdemeanor provisions might fall disproportionately on small civic groups.
Committee discussion focused on scope and enforceability. Witnesses described the practical goal as closing a federal loophole that permits foreign money for ballot measures, and proponents indicated an amendment would clarify definitions and investigative procedures. No final floor vote on HB818 was recorded in the hearing phase; the bill proceeded to executive action later in the session list.
