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HB 363

Fair Campaign Practices Act; prohibit campaign contributions and expenditures from foreign nationals

2025 Regular Session Introduced by James Lomax

Alabama bill prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to or spending money on state and local political campaigns to prevent foreign influence in elections.

County and Municipal Government 1st Substitute (County and Municipal Government)
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Bill Summary · HB 363

Legislative bill overview

HB 363 prohibits foreign nationals from making campaign contributions or expenditures in Alabama elections. The bill establishes legal restrictions on foreign involvement in state and local campaign financing, aligning with federal law precedents that treat foreign campaign participation as a threat to electoral integrity.

Why is this important

Campaign finance rules directly affect how elections are conducted and who can influence political outcomes. This bill addresses a potential vulnerability in state election law by closing a gap that federal law already addresses at the national level, ensuring consistent protections across election types.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and enforcement challenges: The bill must clearly define "foreign national" and establish practical methods for verifying citizenship status of donors, which could create administrative burdens on campaigns and enforcement agencies
  • First Amendment tensions: Some argue contribution restrictions implicate free speech rights, though courts have upheld similar restrictions based on government interest in preventing foreign influence
  • Scope and loopholes: Questions may arise about coverage of foreign-controlled corporations, shell companies, and indirect contributions through intermediaries that could circumvent the intent of the restriction

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

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