This bill addresses campaign finance regulations in Iowa, specifically focusing on the involvement of foreign nationals in ballot issue campaigns and the investigation of election misconduct. It introduces new definitions for "directly or indirectly" and "foreign national," which includes individuals not legally residing in the U.S., foreign governments, political parties, and entities primarily based in foreign countries. The bill mandates that treasurers of political committees receiving contributions for ballot issues must obtain affirmations from donors confirming they are not foreign nationals and have not accepted over $100,000 from foreign nationals in the past four years.

Additionally, the bill requires political committees to include affirmations in their reports to the Iowa ethics and campaign disclosure board, ensuring they have not knowingly accepted contributions from foreign nationals or those who have received significant funds from foreign nationals. It prohibits foreign nationals from participating in decision-making processes related to influencing ballot issues and establishes protections for the identities of lawful donors to tax-exempt organizations during investigations of campaign finance violations. Violations of these provisions are classified as serious misdemeanors, carrying penalties of up to one year of confinement and fines ranging from $430 to $2,560.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68A.102, 68A.203, 68A.402, 68A.404