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Senate approves bill barring foreign nationals from funding ballot‑issue advocacy
Summary
The Iowa Senate substituted House File 2601 for Senate File 2204 and passed the measure prohibiting foreign nationals from participating in or financing campaigns to influence ballot issues. The Senate rejected a proposed transparency amendment on germaneness grounds before approving the bill by a recorded majority of 44‑0.
The Iowa Senate on Tuesday substituted House File 2601 for Senate File 2204 and voted to ban foreign nationals from taking part in or financing advocacy on ballot issues.
Senator Buslow (Polk), sponsor of the substituted measure, described the bill as a bipartisan effort to keep "domestic elections" free from financing by foreign adversaries. "This bill, in short, prohibits involvement by foreign nationals and campaigns advocating for the passage or defeat on ballot issues," he said in opening remarks.
Senate Amendment S5203 — a House amendment explained by Senator Donahue that would have required groups that "expressly advocate" for or against a candidate or ballot measure and spend $250 or more to file a report with the campaign ethics and review board — was called up. Senator Buslow raised a point of order on the amendment's germaneness, arguing the change would expand the bill's scope beyond foreign interference and "added new definitions" and organizations. The chair sustained the point and ruled the amendment not germane.
After procedural steps, the secretary read the bill, and the Senate held a roll‑call vote. The chair announced that those voting "I" numbered 44 and those voting "nay" numbered 0; the bill was declared to have passed the Senate.
The sponsor asked unanimous consent to withdraw the companion Senate File 2204 after passage; the chair granted it and ordered the bill messaged to the House.
What happens next: The measure will be transmitted to the House for its action; the Senate record shows no amendments adopted to the bill text at the time it passed the chamber.
Vote: Passage recorded as 44‑0.
