SB 1380 - This act prohibits lobbyists from receiving, or agreeing to receive, any direct or indirect compensation or other payment in any form, including intangible or in-kind, for carrying out any lobbying activity on behalf of another person that is a foreign adversary, a foreign political party of a foreign adversary, or foreign adversary client. A lobbyist who violates this act shall be subject to an action for disgorgement of any compensation received as well as a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 per violation. The Attorney General is given investigative authority and may subpoena documents, tangible things, and other information, as well as written responses under oath to questions or oral testimony under oath, to any person that may have knowledge or information regarding a potential violation of this act. The Attorney General may also file a civil action to enforce or otherwise obtain the assistance of a court with respect to any such subpoena. The provisions of law pertaining to the Missouri Ethics Commission and its role with respect to complaints and suspected violations of lobbying laws do not apply to this act. This act contains a severability clause. This act is substantially similar to HB 3128 (2026). SCOTT SVAGERA

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Schroer

SB 1380 prohibits foreign entities from funding or conducting lobbying in Missouri, requiring disclosure and establishing penalties for foreign influence in state legislative processes.

Second Read and Referred S Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics Committee

Legislative bill overview

SB 1380 establishes restrictions preventing foreign entities and foreign agents from engaging in or funding lobbying activities within Missouri. The bill creates disclosure requirements and penalties for violations of these foreign influence prohibitions on the state's legislative and regulatory processes.

Why is this important

Lobbying shapes state policy on everything from business regulations to healthcare, making it a target for outside influence. This bill addresses concerns that foreign governments or agents could surreptitiously influence Missouri's lawmaking through undisclosed financial support for lobbying campaigns.

Potential points of contention

Definition clarity: The bill's definitions of "foreign agent," "foreign entity," and "foreign influence" may be vague, creating enforcement challenges and potentially affecting legitimate international business representatives

First Amendment concerns: Restrictions on speech and lobbying activity could face legal challenges regarding protected political speech and association rights

Practical enforcement: Verifying the foreign origins of funding sources and proving intent to influence can be administratively difficult and costly

Competitive impact: May disadvantage Missouri-based companies with legitimate international partnerships from engaging in policy discussions