Secretary of State Wes Allen applauds House passage of legislation to prevent state campaigns from receiving foreign contributions

March 20, 2025 – MONTGOMERY, AL. – The Alabama House of Representatives has passed legislation that would limit foreign influence in Alabama election.

House Bill 363 (HB363) is sponsored by State Representative Lomax (R-Huntsville).

According to the synopsis, "This bill would prohibit foreign nationals from contributing to campaigns, ballot measures, political parties, or political action committees. This bill would also impose penalties for violations."

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen (R) applauded passage of this election security bill.

"I am proud to see legislation prohibiting foreign nationals from making contributions to political candidates and committees pass out of the Alabama House today," said Secretary Allen. "Alabama elections must be funded honestly, transparently, and without foreign influence. I want to thank Representative Lomax and Representative Woods for carrying HB 363 and I look forward to seeing this bill pass out of the Senate and head to Governor Ivey's desk."

Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) has been outspoken in his support of HB 363.

"Foreign entities have zero business attempting to influence the decisions Alabamians make when casting their ballots," said Speaker Ledbetter. "Alabama's elections are among the most secure in the United States, and Rep. Lomax's legislation is a commonsense measure to ensure that remains the case."

Foreign nationals are already banned from donating to political candidates or committees under federal law. However, loopholes in the law have led to millions of foreign dollars being funneled to influence ballot issue campaigns, like constitutional amendments and referendums, across the United States. Additionally, state and local prosecutors need the ability to pursue instances of criminal foreign influence in our elections under state law.

"Alabamians deserve fair, secure, and transparent elections-period," said Secretary Allen. "During my time as a Legislator, I sponsored the 'Zuckerbucks' bill which prohibited third-party donations being used to fund election-related expenses. Upon its passage, the Alabama elections process has been protected from inappropriate and unjustified third-party influence. This legislation similarly fortifies the integrity of our elections by eliminating loopholes that foreign actors could use to influence and manipulate elections."

"Elections directly impact the day to day lives of every Alabamian. Protecting ballot initiative elections from foreign influence should be of great importance to every Alabamian," Rep. Lomax said. "I am proud to advocate for legislation that promotes election integrity and safeguards Alabama elections against foreign influence."

Secretary Allen and Speaker Ledbetter thanked Representative James Lomax for sponsoring this legislation.

This bipartisan legislation passed the Alabama House 100 to 0.

HB363 now goes to the Alabama Senate for their consideration.