Secretary of State Bob Evnen was joined by Senator Bob Andersen and County Election Commissioners Danielle Jensen (Douglas) and David H. Jones (Sarpy) today at the State Capitol for a special ceremony during which the governor signed Legislative Bill 1075 into law. A key component of LB1075 significantly increases penalties for violation of foreign money prohibitions in ballot measure campaigns.
Nebraska law already prohibits foreign contributions to ballot question committees. The new law will more clearly define contributions from foreign sources and include a heavy financial penalty for those found to be in violation of the law.
“The prohibition against foreign money needed to be beefed up,” said Secretary Evnen. “I prepared legislation that provides stiff penalties for groups and individuals who contribute, launder or receive foreign money in ballot measure campaigns. Now those who commit a foreign money violation could be required to pay to the state education fund a penalty equaling the contribution plus another $100,000.”
“Passage of LB 927 represents a bold and much needed step forward to ensuring Nebraska’s elections remain a gold standard for security and transparency. Our elections are not up for sale,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “Through this legislation, we are closing loopholes and increasing penalties for foreign nationals who attempt to interfere with ballot measure initiatives.”
“LB1075 is a common-sense measure to strengthen prohibitions on foreign actors trying to influence our ballot initiative process. It also provides for legal ramifications if they violate the law,” said Senator Andersen.
LB1075 also includes several other sections pertaining to election security and other governmental operations which will be implemented once the law takes effect. These include:
- Prohibiting ballot envelopes from displaying any indication of a voter’s political party affiliation in all elections except primaries.
- Prevents election workers delivering ballots to the county election office from making any stops between the polling place and the office.
- Allowing counting watchers to observe the counting process for early voting.
- Prohibiting circulating petitions within 25 ft. of a ballot drop box.
