The proposed bill aims to amend existing laws regarding the disclosure of campaign financing and to prohibit foreign funding for ballot measures in Arkansas. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining public confidence in elections and preventing foreign influence. The bill introduces new definitions and requirements, including the term "prohibited sources," which refers to entities that cannot contribute to campaign financing, and mandates that ballot question committees and legislative question committees affirm they have not accepted contributions from these sources. Additionally, it establishes that foreign nationals are prohibited from participating in the decision-making processes related to influencing ballot questions or legislative questions.

Key provisions include the requirement for committees to certify that they have not received contributions from prohibited sources, and the establishment of penalties for violations, including potential civil actions by the Attorney General. The bill also includes measures to protect donor privacy, ensuring that information about lawful donors to tax-exempt organizations is not disclosed unless there is a violation of the new provisions. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance transparency in campaign financing while safeguarding the electoral process from foreign interference.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1837 V2 - 4-3-2025 11:33 AM: 7-6-201, 7-6-220(b), 7-9-402, 7-9-407(2)
Old version HB1837 V3 - 4-9-2025 02:02 PM: 7-6-201, 7-6-220(b), 7-9-402, 7-9-407(2)
Old version HB1837 Original - 3-18-2025 02:35 PM: 7-6-201, 7-6-220(b), 7-9-402, 7-9-407(2)
HB 1837: 7-6-201, 7-6-220(b), 7-9-402, 7-9-407(2)
Act 999: 7-6-201, 7-6-220(b), 7-9-402, 7-9-407(2)