State Rep. Don Jones | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Rep. Don Jones | The Ohio House of Representatives
COLUMBUS - The Ohio House passed House Bill 1 today, legislation aimed at banning foreign nationals from contributing to ballot initiatives, announced State Rep. Don Jones (R-Freeport).
Currently, state and federal laws prohibit foreign nationals from donating to political candidates. However, no such restrictions exist for ballot issues. This loophole has left Ohio vulnerable to foreign national interference. By expanding the current law to include a ban on foreign donations to Ohio’s ballot issues, the legislation aims to protect the state's election integrity and prevent foreign influence in future elections.
“Simply put, Ohioans should be the ones who determine Ohio elections,” said Jones. “Foreign nationals have no business influencing our state ballot issues. My colleagues and I made the right decision to ban foreign interference in the Buckeye State.”
House Bill 1 proposes several measures:
- Prohibit direct and indirect contributions from foreign nationals;
- Ban 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 awaits further consideration from the Ohio Senate.
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