Montgomery, AL – Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen has expressed strong support for House Bill 363 (HB 363), which passed out of the Alabama House of Representatives. The legislation, sponsored by Representative James Lomax, seeks to prohibit foreign nationals and foreign corporations from contributing directly or indirectly to political candidates, political action committees, constitutional amendments, or referendums in Alabama.
Allen, joined by Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, emphasized that the bill is a necessary step to ensure transparency and integrity in Alabama’s election process. “Alabama elections must be funded honestly, transparently, and without foreign influence,” Allen stated. “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.”
While federal law already bans foreign nationals from donating to political candidates and committees, Allen and other supporters argue that loopholes allow foreign money to influence ballot initiatives. The bill aims to close these gaps and provide state and local prosecutors with the authority to address violations under Alabama law.
Speaker Ledbetter called the legislation a “common-sense measure of election integrity,” stating, “Foreign entities have zero business attempting to influence the decisions Alabamians make when casting their ballots.”
Lomax also highlighted the importance of protecting the state’s electoral process. “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,” he said.
The bill now moves to the Alabama Senate for further consideration. If passed, it will be sent to Governor Kay Ivey for final approval.
