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SB 1060

Campaigns and Campaign Finance - As enacted, prohibits political campaign committees formed to support or oppose a measure from receiving, soliciting, or accepting contributions or expenditures from a foreign national; requires such political campaign committees and persons making independent expenditures supporting or opposing a measure to file certain disclosures regarding funding sources with the registry of election finance. - Amends TCA Title 2, Chapter 10.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Adam Lowe

Tennessee bans foreign nationals from funding ballot measure campaigns and requires disclosure of funding sources for campaign committees and independent spenders on measures.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 506
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Bill Summary · SB 1060

Legislative bill overview

SB 1060 prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to or funding political campaign committees and independent expenditure groups focused on ballot measures in Tennessee. The bill requires these committees and independent spenders to disclose their funding sources to the state's election finance registry.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses concerns about foreign interference in state ballot initiatives by creating a legal barrier against foreign financial influence in measure-specific campaigns. Enhanced disclosure requirements aim to increase transparency about who is funding campaigns on local issues, potentially helping voters identify funding sources for ballot measure advertising.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "foreign national": The bill's effectiveness depends on clear definitions and enforcement mechanisms to identify and verify funding sources, which can be technically challenging
  • First Amendment concerns: Restrictions on campaign spending have historically faced constitutional challenges; courts may question whether the foreign national restriction adequately balances free speech rights
  • Disclosure burden vs. privacy: Requiring extensive funding disclosures could deter legitimate independent groups from participating in ballot measure campaigns due to compliance costs or privacy concerns
  • Enforcement capacity: Tennessee election authorities must have adequate resources to investigate and enforce these restrictions effectively

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

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