State Rep. Cindy Abrams | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Rep. Cindy Abrams | The Ohio House of Representatives
The Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 1 today, a measure aimed at closing a loophole in current law to ban foreign funding in state ballot issue campaigns. The announcement was made by State Rep. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison).
Under existing state and federal regulations, foreign nationals are prohibited from donating to political candidates; however, these laws do not address ballot issues. By extending the prohibition to include donations to state ballot issues, the legislation seeks to safeguard Ohio’s election integrity and prevent foreign influence on election outcomes.
“Foreign nationals should never have a say in decisions that change Ohio’s constitution, the foundation of our state,” said Abrams. “I am pleased the House took action to ban foreign funding in state ballot issues.”
House Bill 1 aims to:
- Prohibit direct and indirect contributions from foreign nationals;
- Ban the spending, including independent expenditures, of funds tied to foreign nationals; and
- Ensure independent investigatory and enforcement power by the Ohio Attorney General.
The bill now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration.
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