COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Senate Republicans say a new bill would guard against foreign influence in Ohio elections. Democrats say it could hurt homegrown grassroots efforts.
The Republican sponsored Senate Bill 215 would prohibit a foreign national from making a contribution to a state or local ballot issue. It is already illegal for a foreign national to contribute to a candidate campaign.
"By passing Senate Bill 215 we can better protect Ohio's elections from foreign influences and ensure the integrity of our democratic process," bill co-sponsor Republican Theresa Gavarone of Bowling Green said.
During debate on the Senate floor, Gavarone expressed concern over foreign contributions to the Issue One campaign for abortion access that voters approved in November. She also warned of influence from Russia and China in future ballot issues.
"A no vote says for them to meddle in our elections is not only acceptable but encouraged," Gavarone said.
The bill passed 25-7 along party lines.
"Frankly, it seems like it's about sore losers," Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio of Lakewood said. "We've had a couple ballot initiatives pass lately that the Republican majority is not happy about."
Antonio also says the bill does more than the title suggests.
"There are just all kinds of details to it that would make it more difficult for grassroots organizations, for everyday people to be able to participate in ballot initiatives."
For example, Democrats say any group of two or more who want to gather signatures for a ballot initiative, and spend any money, would have to register as a political action committee.
Bill co-sponsor Republican Rob McColley of Napoleon said that is about transparency.
"We're saying, if you're going to collect and spend money in support of signature gathering in support of a ballot initiative, you gotta report your money."
The bill now goes to the Ohio House of Representatives, but with the primary election coming up, there are no sessions scheduled in either chamber until April 10.