The bill aims to amend existing laws regarding the disclosure of campaign financing and to prohibit foreign funding for ballot measures in Arkansas. It includes legislative findings emphasizing the importance of maintaining confidence in elections free from foreign influence. Key provisions include the definition of "prohibited sources" and the requirement for committees to affirm that they have not accepted significant contributions from such sources. The bill also establishes new reporting requirements for independent expenditures and mandates that treasurers of ballot question committees certify that no preliminary activities were funded by prohibited sources.

Additionally, the bill outlines the restrictions on foreign nationals' involvement in influencing ballot questions and legislative questions, including prohibiting them from participating in decision-making processes related to contributions or expenditures. It provides enforcement mechanisms for violations, allowing the Attorney General to take civil action and seek statutory damages. The bill also emphasizes donor privacy, restricting the collection and disclosure of donor information by governmental bodies, except in cases of alleged violations. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance transparency and integrity in the electoral process by preventing foreign interference and ensuring accountability in campaign financing.

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)