Louisiana Moves to Tighten Restrictions on Foreign Political Contributions
In a bid to strengthen election integrity, Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry is advocating for legislation to further restrict political contributions from noncitizens and foreign entities. The measures, introduced during the current legislative session, include Senate Bill 109, a proposed constitutional amendment, and House Bill 590, which amends state statutes.
Sen. Alan Seabaugh, the Republican sponsor of SB 109, emphasized the significance of maintaining the sanctity of elections, stating that the legislation aims to curb foreign financial influence on Louisiana’s ballot initiatives and political candidates. Currently, Louisiana law prohibits foreign entities and noncitizens from contributing to candidate elections, but legal permanent residents are allowed to donate—a provision the new legislation seeks to overturn.
While federal law already restricts contributions from foreign sources, it permits legal permanent residents to participate financially in elections. Rep. Annie Spell, who sponsored HB 590, argued that the proposed changes would close a loophole, reinforcing strict limits on contributions for ballot measures that include constitutional amendments and local tax propositions.
The Louisiana House approved HB 590 with an overwhelming 86-8 vote, garnering support only from Democrats. Although Landry’s office has not identified any recent issues with foreign contributions, she supports the legislation due to concerns raised by a Federal Election Commission decision and reports of foreign funding influencing political initiatives in other states.
Critics, including Jason Snead from the Honest Elections Project, have highlighted the infiltration of foreign money into U.S. politics through groups like the Sixteen Thirty Fund, which has received substantial contributions from foreign nationals. The proposed laws aim to prevent foreign interference, asserting that vital decisions, such as constitutional amendments, should solely be influenced by U.S. citizens.
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