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HB 635

CRIME: Provides relative to criminal activity committed by an agent of a foreign adversary or an agent of a foreign terrorist organization (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kathy Edmonston and 2 co-sponsors

HB 635 criminalizes activities committed by agents of foreign adversaries or terrorist organizations, enhancing penalties for crimes with foreign state or terrorism connections.

Effective date: 05/22/2026.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 635

Legislative bill overview

HB 635 creates criminal liability for individuals who commit crimes while acting as agents of foreign adversaries or foreign terrorist organizations. The bill appears to establish enhanced penalties or specific criminal charges for activities conducted on behalf of designated foreign entities, though the full legislative text would clarify specific offense definitions and penalty structures.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses national security concerns by targeting criminal activity with foreign state or terrorist organization involvement. It reflects growing legislative attention to foreign interference and espionage threats, which can affect everything from election security to infrastructure protection and public safety.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitions and scope: "Agent" and "foreign adversary" require precise legal definitions; overly broad interpretations could criminalize legitimate political speech, journalism, or academic research about foreign entities
  • Due process concerns: Establishing someone's status as a "foreign agent" may involve classified information or intelligence that defendants struggle to challenge in court
  • Constitutional questions: First Amendment implications regarding speech and association rights, particularly if the bill sweeps in protected activity alongside criminal conduct

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

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