Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to regulate the involvement of foreign nationals in Minnesota's campaign finance, specifically concerning contributions to or expenditures for ballot questions.

Main Provisions

• Definition of Foreign Nationals: The bill defines foreign nationals to include individuals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, foreign governments, foreign political parties, and entities controlled by foreign nationals.

• Prohibition on Contributions and Expenditures: Foreign nationals are prohibited from making contributions or expenditures in support of or against ballot questions. They are also restricted from soliciting others to do so or influencing such decisions.

• Preliminary Activity: Introduces the term "preliminary activity," which includes actions like focus groups and drafting ballot question language.

• Ballot Question Political Committees: These committees must certify that no foreign national directly or indirectly funded their preliminary activities. They must also affirm no funds from foreign nationals were received above $100,000 in the past four years.

• Independent Expenditures: Individuals or entities making independent expenditures must retain records for six years and certify they haven't received significant foreign national funding prior to expenditures.

Significant Changes

• Certification and Recordkeeping Requirements: New requirements are established for the certification of non-involvement by foreign nationals and the maintenance of detailed records related to contributions and expenditures.

• Presumption of Violation: If entities are found to have accepted substantial funds from foreign nationals, there is a presumption that the law has been violated.

Relevant Terms

foreign nationals, campaign finance, ballot questions, political committee, independent expenditure, preliminary activity, certification, recordkeeping.