The bill seeks to enhance campaign finance disclosure laws in Arkansas by mandating that agents of foreign principals disclose their activities, thereby increasing transparency regarding foreign influence in local politics. It introduces a new subchapter requiring these agents to file registration statements with the Arkansas Ethics Commission, detailing their business activities, funding sources, and any political engagements. This initiative aims to inform voters and policymakers about potential foreign influences, particularly from nations deemed hostile to the United States. The bill also amends existing sections of the Arkansas Code to clarify the Ethics Commission's authority in overseeing these disclosures and includes provisions for citizen complaints and investigations into violations of campaign finance laws.

Furthermore, the bill establishes specific requirements for foreign-supported political organizations, which must now provide detailed statements of all financial contributions received from foreign principals during the previous calendar year and update their registration statements quarterly. It introduces penalties for non-compliance, with fines reaching up to $500 for general violations, escalating to $2,000 for willful or repeated violations, and up to $10,000 for violations involving hostile foreign nations. The Arkansas Ethics Commission is empowered to investigate complaints, impose civil penalties, and refer cases to the Attorney General or prosecuting attorneys for further action, ensuring robust enforcement of these new regulations.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1800 Original - 3-17-2025 09:23 AM: 7-6-217(g), 7-6-218(a), 7-6-218(b)
Old version HB1800 V2 - 4-1-2025 10:18 AM: 7-6-217(g), 7-6-218(a), 7-6-218(b)
Old version HB1800 V3 - 4-8-2025 04:49 PM: 7-6-217(g), 7-6-218(a), 7-6-218(b)
HB 1800: 7-6-217(g), 7-6-218(a), 7-6-218(b)