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HB 818

Ban foreign funding for ballot measures

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Braxton Mitchell

Montana law now bans foreign nationals and entities from funding ballot measure campaigns to prevent foreign interference in state electoral decisions.

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#ballotissues #elections
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Bill Summary · HB 818

Legislative bill overview

HB 818 prohibits foreign nationals, foreign governments, and foreign entities from contributing money or resources to ballot measure campaigns in Montana. The bill aims to prevent foreign interference in state-level ballot initiatives and referenda by establishing restrictions on who can fund these electoral activities.

Why is this important

Ballot measures directly shape state policy on taxes, education, healthcare, and other critical issues, making them targets for foreign influence campaigns. This law addresses growing concerns about foreign actors using money to sway American democratic processes at the state level, similar to documented interference in federal elections.

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment concerns: Courts may challenge whether restricting foreign funding violates free speech protections, particularly if enforcement is unclear about domestic shell corporations or indirect funding
  • Definitional ambiguity: The bill may struggle to define and identify "foreign entities" in complex corporate structures where ownership is obscured through layers of domestic intermediaries
  • Enforcement challenges: Proving foreign origin of funds and distinguishing legitimate international business involvement from prohibited political interference could be administratively difficult and costly
  • Competitive impact on ballot measures: Restrictions might disproportionately affect certain types of campaigns (environmental, labor-focused) that traditionally attract international NGO support versus others

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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