The proposed bill would amend current election administration statutes by introducing new requirements for individuals or entities entering agreements with government entities to provide resources for election administration. Specifically, it mandates that these parties must submit a dated and sworn certification to the Secretary of State (SOS) confirming they are not knowingly receiving foreign donations, with annual updates required. Additionally, if new information arises, they must update their certification within five business days. The SOS will maintain records of these certifications and require government entities to submit quarterly reports of all service providers involved in election administration.

Furthermore, the bill establishes penalties for non-compliance, including invalidating agreements with government entities and classifying knowingly failing to provide accurate certifications as a class 1 misdemeanor. It allows the Attorney General to take legal action for violations, which may include seeking damages and injunctive relief. The bill also enables qualified electors and state officers to initiate civil actions to enforce compliance, with provisions for awarding damages and attorney fees to prevailing claimants. Overall, these updates aim to enhance transparency and accountability in election administration regarding foreign donations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-407.04, 16-407.05