State Representative James Lomax, R-Huntsville, on Thursday refiled House Bill 214, legislation that prohibits foreign nationals and foreign corporations from making direct or indirect contributions or expenditures in Alabama elections, including those for candidates, political action committees, constitutional amendments or referendums.
The bill is said to close loopholes that currently allow foreign actors to influence Alabama elections, despite existing federal prohibitions on contributions to candidates. By explicitly banning such foreign influence under state law, HB214 ensures “Alabama’s elections remain secure, transparent, and decided solely by the voices of legal residents of Alabama—not outside interests with America-last agendas,” Lomax’s press release stated.
“Elections directly impact the day-to-day lives of every Alabamian. Protecting our elections from shady foreign influence is not only imperative to our sovereignty, but its common sense,” Lomax said. “We advanced this important election security measure last session but unfortunately ran out of time before its final passage. With an election year now upon us, this legislation is more timely and urgent than ever. Alabama deserves elections free from any chance of foreign manipulation, and HB214 delivers exactly that.”
The bill has strong backing from Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, who stated: “There is no place in Alabama elections for foreign actors with America-last agendas. That is why we need legislation to close the loopholes in our law that foreign actors could use to influence and manipulate Alabama elections. The hardworking men and women of Alabama deserve nothing less than honestly and transparently funded elections with zero chance of foreign influence. I am appreciative of Representative Lomax leading the charge in the Legislature on this important election security measure.”
Lomax said he will continue pressing for this reform to safeguard Alabama’s reputation for secure elections.
