Florida Bill Would Ensure Transparency by Foreign Actors who Engage in State Election Process

A Florida bill would ensure transparency by requiring lobbyists to disclose their funding sources by foreign actors of foreign principals who engage in the state's election process.

The two similar bills were filed by Sen. Danny Burgess and Rep. Michael Owen (R-Apollo Beach) in the House on Friday.

“This legislation is important to maintaining an informed electorate – and informed public officials – who cannot be easily swayed by the deceitful actions of a potentially hostile foreign nation that may be attempting to change the outcomes of our elections or our laws for their own self-serving interest," Burgess said in a release.

Burgess also emphasized it was "critical that Florida take action to ensure not only transparency but trust in our democratic institutions."

According to the bill, a foreign principal is defined as an agent, employee, representative, or servant who is working or financed by a foreign nation. A foreign actor includes a foreign government, a foreign political party, or an unauthorized citizen of the United States.

The foreign principal and agent would be required to disclose any relevant information to the Department of Elections, including funding and activities.

Countries mentioned as hostile foreign principals include the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of North Korea, and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Under state statute, foreign nationals are prohibited from making or offering, directly or indirectly, a contribution or expenditure with any election held in the state.

If passed, failure to comply could result in a $500 fine for a first violation to $10,000 if the foreign nation is hostile. The penalty also may result in a temporary or permanent ban for future registrations.

“This bill will ensure transparency by foreign actors who engage in our political elections, influence public officials, or support/oppose any issues that may appear on our ballot,” Owen said in the release. “We must protect our elections and ballot initiatives from bad actors of foreign nations who seek to undermine our political processes and government."

The bill is also being backed by State Shield, an organization dedicated to fighting against China's foreign influence on America's political process.

“Policymakers and Florida citizens need to know the extent to which foreign actors are trying to influence the state's public policy. Especially as the U.S. Justice Department turns its focus to significant criminal activity committed by hostile foreign agents, this bill provides state-level leaders with a much-needed tool to prevent hostile foreign influence," CEO and Founder of State Shield Josh Gebbia said.

If passed, the legislation would take effect on July 1.