Preventing foreign financial contributions in domestic political processes

SB 520 prohibits foreign nationals and certain foreign-owned U.S. entities from making contributions or expenditures to influence ballot issues in West Virginia elections. It defines "foreign national" broadly to include non-citizens, foreign governments, foreign political parties, and U.S. entities majority-owned by foreign nationals (unless they meet specific U.S. operations and decision-making conditions). The bill establishes civil penalties, including requiring violators to disgorge funds to the state treasury, and authorizes the Attorney General to enforce the law through civil actions. This directly affects political committees, candidates, and organizations receiving or soliciting contributions related to ballot issues from prohibited sources.