Substitute Senate Bill No. 253, known as Public Act No. 24-28, is designed to address foreign political spending by amending Section 9-601 of the 2024 supplement to the general statutes with new definitions to identify entities subject to political spending restrictions. The bill defines "foreign national," "foreign principal," and other related terms, setting ownership thresholds to determine foreign influence, such as at least five percent ownership by a foreign national. It also repeals and replaces Section 9-622, listing illegal practices related to elections and political contributions, and specifies conditions under which certain individuals in authority may not solicit contributions, aiming to prevent foreign interference in the political process.

The bill adds prohibitions against foreign nationals making contributions or expenditures in relation to candidates for state, district, or municipal office, and requires certification from persons making independent expenditures that they are not foreign nationals. It updates terminology, replacing "chairman" with "chairperson," and mandates certification for committees established by entities other than individuals to confirm they are not foreign nationals. Additionally, the bill outlines the process for handling complaints with the State Elections Enforcement Commission, including a one-year dismissal rule for unresolved complaints, with exceptions for specific circumstances. Notably, this dismissal rule does not apply to complaints related to potential violations by foreign nationals received on or after July 1, 2024. The bill was approved on May 21, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-622
GAE Joint Favorable Substitute: 9-622
File No. 208: 9-622
JUD Joint Favorable: 9-622
Public Act No. 24-28: 9-622