Ohio House Passes Bill to Ban Foreign Interference in State Elections

COLUMBUS- The Ohio House passed House Bill 1, legislation that will ban foreign nationals from contributing to ballot initiatives, announced State Rep. Jim Hoops (R-Napoleon).

Under current state and federal law, it is illegal for foreign nationals to donate to political candidates, but there is no precedent for ballot issues. This loophole has left the Buckeye State vulnerable to foreign national interference. By expanding the current law to ban foreign donations to Ohio’s ballot issues, the legislation will protect Ohio’s election integrity and ensure foreign influence will not sway future election results.  

“I am glad the House took action to ban foreign interference in state ballot issues,” said Hoops. “Foreign nationals should never have the power to sway decisions that will affect our state.”

To remedy this issue, House Bill 1 will do 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 was signed by Governor DeWine on June 2.