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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
AMENDED
elections; foreign contributions; prohibition
Purpose
Subject to voter approval, statutorily prohibits foreign nationals from contributing monies or in-kind goods or services to influence the outcome of an election on a ballot measure.
Background
Candidate committees, political action committees and political parties must file campaign finance reports that set forth: 1) the amount of cash on hand at the beginning of the reporting period; 2) total receipts during the reporting period; 3) an itemized list of disbursements exceeding $250 during the reporting period; 4) the total sum of receipts and disbursements for the reporting period; and 5) a certification by the committee treasurer that the contents of the report are true and correct, issued under penalty of perjury. The itemized list of disbursements must include expenditures to advocate for the passage or defeat of a ballot measure. Entities that make ballot measure expenditures exceeding $1,000 during a reporting period must file an expenditure report with the filing officer and must identify the candidate or ballot measure supported or opposed (A.R.S. § 16-926).
Federal law states that it is unlawful for a foreign national to make contributions or donations in connection with a federal, state or local election, a political action committee or for electioneering communications. It is likewise unlawful for a person to accept or solicit such contributions or donations from foreign nationals (52 U.S.C. § 30121).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Prohibits a foreign national from giving monies or in-kind goods or services to influence the outcome of an election on a ballot measure.
2. Prohibits a person, entity or committee from accepting or using monies or in-kind goods or services contributed by a foreign national.
3. Requires persons, entities or committees that are required to file campaign finance reports to certify in such reports, under penalty of perjury, that the person, entity or committee has not accepted or used monies or in-kind goods or services from a foreign entity as prescribed.
4. Exempts federally recognized sovereign tribal nations from this prohibition.
5. Defines foreign national as:
a) an individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States, or who is not lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States;
b) a foreign government or foreign political party; or
c) partnership, association, corporation, organization or other combination of persons that is organized under the laws of a country other than the United States, or that has its principal place of business in a country other than the United States.
6. Requires the Secretary of State to submit the proposition to the voters at the next general election.
7. Becomes effective if approved by the voters and on proclamation of the Governor.
Amendments Adopted by Committee of the Whole
1. Specifies that contributions from foreign nationals, rather than foreign persons or corporations, are prohibited for ballot measures.
2. Defines foreign national as:
a) an individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States, or who is not lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States;
b) a foreign government or foreign political party; or
c) a partnership, association, corporation, organization or other combination of persons that is organized under the laws of a country other than the United States, or that has its principal place of business in a country other than the United States.
Senate Action
JUDE 1/21/26 DP 4-3-0
Prepared by Senate Research
March 3, 2026
ZD/ci