DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 590 Engrossed 2025 Regular Session Spell
Abstract: Prohibits the use of foreign funds to conduct elections or election campaigns, subject to
criminal penalties.
Proposed law prohibits the use of funds, goods, or services donated by a foreign government or
nongovernmental source to conduct elections.
Proposed law prohibits the use of funds, goods, or services donated by a foreign government, foreign
entity, or noncitizen to promote a ballot proposition or question, candidate, or political party, directly
or indirectly.
Proposed law provides that any foreign government, foreign entity, noncitizen, or nongovernmental
source that violates proposed law shall be fined not more than twice the amount of the donation,
imprisoned for not more than five years with or without hard labor, or both.
Proposed law provides that any person that accepts a donation in violation of proposed law and that
has actual knowledge that the donation violates proposed law shall return the donation.
Proposed law defines "directly or indirectly" and "foreign entity".
(Adds R.S. 18:1461.9)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on House and Governmental
Affairs to the original bill:
1. Impose criminal penalties on the foreign government, foreign entity, noncitizen, or
nongovernmental source that makes a prohibited donation, rather than the recipient of
the donation.
2. Require the person that receives a donation in violation of proposed law to return the
donation if the person has actual knowledge that the donation violates proposed law.