Ohio House Passes Bill to Ban Foreign Interference in State Elections

COLUMBUS-The Ohio House yesterday passed House Bill 1, legislation that will ban foreign nationals from contributing to ballot initiatives, announced State Rep. Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton).

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 believe that most Ohioans will agree that our state ballot issues should be free from foreign interference,” said Carruthers. “I am proud that my colleagues and I passed House Bill 1 today to protect the integrity of our democracy.”

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 awaits further consideration from the Ohio Senate.