LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Michigan lawmakers agreed on at least one election rule this week: foreign money shouldn’t have a say in Michigan law.

The state House passed a pair of bills Feb. 5 aimed at blocking foreign contributions from flowing into Michigan ballot campaigns and election administration, closing a gap that lawmakers say federal law leaves open. 

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The measures passed by lopsided margins—97–6 and 99–4—in the Republican-led chamber, with bipartisan support that included Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

While federal law already bans foreign nationals from donating to candidates and political action committees, the House package targets ballot initiatives and election operations, areas supporters say remain vulnerable to indirect foreign influence through nonprofits and third-party groups.

One bill would require ballot committees to verify that donors are not foreign nationals and certify that foreign money did not fund early campaign activity. Any contribution suspected of containing foreign funds would have to be returned within 30 days, with violations carrying penalties of up to double the donation amount.

A companion measure would tighten oversight of election administration by requiring any group or individual providing funding or services to certify they have not received foreign contributions. Those disclosures would be filed with the Secretary of State and renewed annually.

“This would end foreign influence in our elections,” Rep. Rachelle Smit (R-Martin) said.