Ohio House Passes Bill to Ban Foreign Interference in Ohio Elections

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 1, legislation to close a loophole in current law and ban foreign funding in state ballot issue campaigns, announced State Rep. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison). 

Under current state and federal law, it is illegal for foreign nationals to donate to political candidates, but ballot issues are not addressed. By extending current law to ban foreign donations to state ballot issues, this legislation aims to protect Ohio’s election integrity and ensure foreign influence does not sway election results.  

“Foreign nationals should never have a say in decisions that change Ohio’s constitution, the foundation of our state,” said Abrams. “I am pleased the House took action to ban foreign funding in state ballot issues.” 

House Bill 1 will achieve the following: 

• Prohibit direct and indirect contributions from foreign nationals;
• Ban the spending, including independent expenditures, of funds tied to foreign nationals; and
• Ensure independent investigatory and enforcement power by the Ohio Attorney General. 

House Bill 1 now heads to the Ohio Senate for consideration.