HB363 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

James LomaxRepresentative

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Fair Campaign Practices Act; prohibit campaign contributions and expenditures from foreign nationals

Summary

HB363 would ban foreign nationals from contributing to Alabama campaigns, ballot measures, political parties, or PACs and impose penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the bill would prohibit foreign nationals from giving money or anything of value to campaigns, ballot measures, political parties, or PACs. It defines who counts as a foreign national and sets penalties for violations (Class C felony). It also establishes reporting rules for contributions and expenditures and clarifies when certain sources can contribute, including exceptions for certain U.S.-owned entities; it amends key campaign finance laws and becomes effective October 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• Foreign nationals would be barred from contributing to state or local campaigns, ballot measures, political parties, or PACs in Alabama.
• Campaigns, political parties, and political committees in Alabama would be restricted from accepting foreign-national contributions or expenditures and must verify funding sources.
• Certain U.S.-based entities owned by foreign nationals may contribute only if the funds come from the entity's U.S. operations and decisions about contributions/expenditures are made by U.S. citizens or permanent residents (with specific exceptions).

Key Provisions

• Prohibits foreign nationals from making contributions or expenditures to campaigns, ballot measures, political parties, or political action committees in Alabama.
• Defines 'foreign national' and restricts contributions and expenditures by such entities, including an exception for some U.S.-owned entities if funds come from U.S. operations and decisions are made by U.S. citizens or permanent residents (with certain budget-control limits).
• Prohibits foreign nationals from soliciting, accepting, or receiving prohibited contributions or expenditures; violations can be charged as a Class C felony.
• Adds and clarifies reporting requirements for contributions and expenditures, including date-of-receipt and date-of-expenditure and the use of designated filing agents.
• Amends Sections 17-5-2 and 17-5-15.1 of the Alabama Code and sets an effective date of October 1, 2025.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Elections, Voting, & Campaigns