Ohio State Sens. Theresa Gavarone (R-2) and Robert McColley (R-1) introduced the bill, Senate Bill 215 (SB 215), on Jan. 24, 2024. SB 215 would prohibit foreign nationals from making contributions or expenditures regarding ballot measures, including indirectly through another person or entity. Likewise, campaigns would be prohibited from accepting contributions from foreign nationals.
Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) supports the legislation. Earlier in January, LaRose said “foreign nationals have funneled hundreds of millions of dollars into 501(c) entities” supporting 2023’s Issue 1, which created a state constitutional right to abortion. He called on the Ohio State Legislature to “close [the] ‘foreign influence’ loophole in state campaign finance law.”
SB 215 would define foreign nationals to include the following persons and entities:
