Connecticut Senate Bill SB00497

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/13/18
• Refer: 3/13/18

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Independent Expenditures By Foreign-influenced Business Entities And Limiting Covered Transfers.

Impact

If enacted, SB00497 will amend existing laws related to campaign finance, particularly those governing independent expenditures and contributions. The legislation will reinforce restrictions against foreign involvement in state elections, which supporters argue is essential for protecting the democratic process and ensuring that political decisions are made without undue external influence. It will require entities that make significant expenditures to report their financial activities to the State Elections Enforcement Commission, thus creating a more regulated environment for political spending.

Summary

SB00497 aims to mitigate foreign influence in state elections by prohibiting independent expenditures from foreign-influenced business entities. It defines 'foreign owner' and 'foreign-influenced entity' to specify the ownership thresholds that disqualify businesses from making independent expenditures or contributing to independent expenditure political committees. This bill emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in campaign finance, particularly in the context of foreign entities potentially affecting local electoral outcomes.

Contention

While proponents of SB00497 argue that it is necessary to safeguard elections from foreign interference, detractors may raise concerns about the bill's implications for legitimate business activities and political expression. There may be fears that the definitions set forth in the bill could inadvertently include legitimate companies that have minimal foreign ties, thereby limiting their ability to engage in political advocacy. Additionally, the bill could be viewed as a response to increased scrutiny around foreign interference in elections following high-profile incidents in recent years, which adds a layer of urgency to the discussions surrounding its passage.