Home » Our Work » United States Program » U.S. Foreign Influence Laws » State Foreign Influence Legislation

State Foreign Influence Legislation

A number of US states have introduced or enacted either foreign influence registration laws that impact nonprofits or new restrictions on charitable solicitation based on foreign influence. This tracker follows such state bills introduced since 2024. To learn more about the constitutional and policy concerns raised by this legislation read this ICNL analysis. To learn more about the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), upon which this state legislation is frequently modeled, visit ICNL’s FARA page.

Enacted Legislation

Indiana SB 256 (2026)

Enacted: March 5, 2026

Would require anyone who is an “agent of a covered foreign principal” or a “foreign supported political organization” to register with and provide detailed information to the Indiana Attorney General that must be regularly updated.

An “agent of a covered foreign principal” is defined as a person who (1) engages in “political activity” in Indiana on behalf of a covered foreign principal; (2) is an agent, employee or representative of a covered foreign principal or acts at their direction or “request”; and (3) is directly or indirectly financed in whole or in part by a covered foreign principal. A “foreign supported political organization” means an organization, corporation or other collection of persons that engages in political activity who within the past three years has received money or anything of value from a “covered foreign principal” or their agent. There is though an exception if that money or thing of value was obtained through “bona fide commercial activity in connection with an arm’s length transaction” or if it is less than 10% of the annual revenue of the entity receiving it.

A “covered foreign principal” means a government or political party of a hostile foreign country; a nonresident alien of a hostile foreign country; a corporation or organization organized under the laws of or having its principal place of business in a hostile foreign country; or an entity that is at least 51% beneficially owned by any of the above categories. A “hostile foreign country” is defined as China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, a country listed under 15 CFR 791.4, or a country designated as a threat to critical infrastructure by the governor under IC 1-1-16-8. “Political activity” is defined as activity performed with the intent to influence a governmental entity or official in Indiana or the general public in the state concerning the changing of law or policies or the election of a candidate to office. There is a $500 registration fee to be either an “agent of a covered foreign principal” or a “foreign supported political organization”. Supplemental registration statements are charged a fee of $100 and other fees established by the Attorney General.

If the Attorney General has probably cause to believe a violation of this law has occurred they may bring an action seeking appropriate injunctive relief; the costs and expenses of the suit; and a civil penalty of up to $500. If the violation was committed intentionally or is a repeat violation they can seek a civil penalty of up to $10,000. The same chapter also empowers the Indiana Attorney General to investigate, including through civil investigative demands, if they have reasonable cause to believe a person or entity is an “affiliate of a foreign terrorist organization” and creates a process for the Governor to so designate them. Designated organizations are denied state funds or other forms of support; are prohibited from entering into any contract with the state; and are denied employment, tax benefits; and any other state “privilege”. “Foreign terrorist organization” is any organization designated as such under Section 219 of the federal Immigration and Nationality Act.

Nebraska LB 644 (2025)

Enacted: June 4, 2025

Requires anyone who is an agent of a foreign principal from an “adversary nation” or “foreign terrorist organization” to register with the Nebraska State Attorney General if they are engaged in covered activities. A foreign principal includes a foreign government, company, organization, an organization at least 20% owned by a foreign entity, or person outside the United States (unless they are a domiciled U.S. resident). Adversary nation is defined to be those designated by the federal government under 15 C.F.R. 791.4 (China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Maduro Regime) and foreign terrorist organization is defined as those designated by the U.S State Department under 8 U.S.C. 1189. It nearly verbatim copies FARA’s agency definition, including if one acts at the “order or request” of a foreign principal.

The covered activities in this Act are almost identical to FARA, such as engaging in political activities, soliciting or disbursing things of value, or acting as a publicity agent for or in the interests of a foreign principal. It does not contain many of the exemptions in FARA, including for commercial, religious, academic, or humanitarian activity. It also has extensive reporting and labeling requirements for those who register. Failure to register is punishable by up to a $50,000 civil fine and the Attorney General can apply to a District Court to enjoin an unregistered action or mandate compliance.

Any student or employee of a postsecondary educational institution found to be violation of the Act shall be expelled or dismissed and each postsecondary educational institution in Nebraska must adopt a policy to enforce this. Any alien found in violation of the Act shall be subject to referral to the Justice Department for removal. “All businesses and nonprofit organizations operating within the State of Nebraska shall attest that they are cognizant of and in compliance” with this Act. The schedule of attestation varies by entity, but is either annual or on a biennial basis. Any covered agent under the Act cannot subcontract for services covered under the Act without informing all parties of their status as an agent. The Act also provides the Attorney General civil investigative demand authority where they have “reasonable cause” to believe any person is not in compliance with the Act.

Arkansas HB 1800 (2025)

Enacted: April 22, 2025

Requires any “representative of a hostile foreign principal” to register with the Arkansas Secretary of State and provide information on one’s activities.

A “hostile foreign principal” is defined as a government or political party of a hostile foreign nation, a nonresident alien of a hostile foreign nation, or a partnership, association, corporation, or organization organized under the law of or having its principal place of business in a hostile foreign nation. A hostile foreign nation is defined as China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran. To be a representative of a hostile foreign nation one must act as an agent, representative, or otherwise at the request or under the direction or control of a hostile foreign principal; have one’s actions financed in whole or in part by a hostile foreign principal; and engage in political activity. “Political activity” is defined as activity performed to influence an agency or public official in Arkansas or the public of Arkansas with reference to formulating or adopting policies in the state or electing or opposing a candidate for local or state public office.

The Act also requires a “foreign-supported political organization” register under the Act and provide information about its activities. A foreign-supported political organization is defined as a political party, association, corporation, organization, or any other combination of persons who within the last five years received money or things of value from a hostile foreign principal or a representative of a hostile foreign principal and that engages in “political activity” (there is no de minimis exemption).

Any violation of the Act can lead up to a $500 fine. If the violation is willful or repeated then the fine is up to $2,000 per violation.

Florida SB 700 (2025)

Enacted: May 15, 2025

Bans nonprofits that solicit funds in the state of Florida from soliciting or accepting “contributions or anything of value from a foreign source of concern.”

A “foreign source of concern” is defined as a government or official of a country of concern; a political party or member of a political party of a country of concern; an organization or company organized under the laws or having its principal place of business in a country of concern; a person domiciled in a foreign country of concern who is not a citizen of the U.S.; an agent acting on behalf of a foreign source of concern; or an entity in which a source of concern has a “controlling interest” (which includes a company more than 25% owned by a foreign source of concern). A “country of concern” is defined as China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela (under Nicolas Maduro), or Syria.

Violation of this ban can lead to a range of penalties including a cease and desist order, fines of up to $10,000, or suspension or cancellation of the nonprofit’s registration for charitable solicitation in the state (barring them from fundraising in Florida). However, if it is a first offense no punitive action will occur if the nonprofit provides an attestation where the foreign source falsely claimed that they are not actually a foreign source of concern; proof that the nonprofit refunded the money from this source; and a plan of action to ensure that the nonprofit does not accept contributions from foreign sources of concern in the future. There is an exemption for religious and educational institutions, charities that limit solicitation to their members, chapters of veteran services organizations, and organizations that receive less than $50,000 a year in contributions if the solicitation is carried out by volunteers. Organizations soliciting funding must annually attest they are in compliance with this law through a process that will be created by the the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The bill also creates an “Honest Services Registry” which will list nonprofits that attest that the nonprofit does not accept contributions or services from a foreign source of concern and that “the organization’s messaging and content are not directly or indirectly produced or influenced by a foreign source of concern.”

Pending Legislation

Illinois SB 3996 (2026)

Status: Introduced Feb. 6, 2026

Would require an “agent of a foreign principal from a country of concern” engaged in covered activities to register with the Attorney General of Illinois, provide detailed information, and mark covered materials that the agent is registered with the Attorney General. “Country of concern” is defined to mean China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Venezuela, or any other entity designated by the Governor of Illinois. “Foreign principal” means a government or political party of one of these countries; a person, company, or organization from one of these countries; or a company or organization that is at least 20% beneficially owned by a person, company, or government of a country of concern. One can become an agent by acting at the direction, order, or “request” of a covered foreign principal or by being financed or indirectly subsidized by them. The covered activities are almost identical to FARA, such as engaging in broadly defined “political activities”, soliciting or disbursing things of value, or acting as a publicity agent. “Publicity agent” is defined to include merely disseminating “information” in the interests of a foreign principal. Unlike FARA, it does not contain most exemptions for many activities, including commercial, religious, academic, or humanitarian activity.

Failure to register or misrepresentation in registration is a class 3 felony, punishable by 5 to 10 years in jail and a $100,000 penalty.

Tennessee HB 2549 / SB 2235 (2026)

Status: Introduced Feb. 2, 2026 (Senate); Feb. 4, 2025 (House)

Would require anyone who is an “agent of a foreign adversary” to register with and provide detailed information to the Tennessee ethics commission. It would also bar them from engaging in certain activity, also barred for lobbyists as defined under the Tennessee code (§§3-6-304 and 3-6-305), such as providing gifts to legislators. An “agent of a foreign adversary” is defined as anyone who engages in “political activity” and who acts as an agent, representative or at the order or “request” of a (1) foreign adversary; (2) foreign supported political organization; (3) legal entity organized under the laws or having its principal place of business in a foreign adversary country; or (4) legal entity at least 20% beneficially owned by a foreign adversary, nonresident alien of a foreign adversary, or an entity organized under the laws or having its principal place of business in a foreign adversary country. An “agent of a foreign adversary” is also an individual who engages in political activity whose actions are “financed in whole or in part be a foreign adversary”. A “foreign adversary” means a foreign government or non-government entity designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce “pursuant to 2.3 15 CFR Part 791, Subpart A.” (China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and the Maduro regime in Venezuela) “Foreign-supported political organization” means a legal entity that has, within the past five (5) calendar years, received money or other things of value from a foreign adversary or an agent of a foreign adversary and that engages in political activity. “Political activity” means an activity that is performed to influence a state or local agency or public official in Tennessee or the public within this state, with reference to changing the policies or laws within the state or supporting or opposing a candidate or ballot measure within the state. The Tennessee ethics commission can assess penalties of up to $500 per infraction and $10,000 for willful or repeated violations. They may also refer the matter to the attorney general for civil or criminal action or, if the violator is an attorney, to the Tennessee Supreme Court for disbarment. In investigating potential violation of the statute the attorney general is authorized to issue subpoenas and compel the production of documents.

Kansas HB 2759 (2026)

Status: Introduced Feb. 6, 2026

Would require a “foreign-supported political organization” or an “agent of a foreign principal” to register with the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission. A “foreign-supported political organization” means an organization, corporation, or any other combination of persons organized under the laws of Kansas that within the past five years received any “thing of value” from a “foreign principal” or “an agent of a foreign principal” and that engages in “political activity”. “Foreign principal” means the government or political party from a country of concern; a nonresident alien of a country of concern; an organization or corporation organized under the laws of or having its principal place of business in a country of concern; or an organization or corporation organized under Kansas law that is at least 20% beneficially owned by a government or nonresident alien of a country of concern of company or organization organized under its laws of having its principal place of business in a country of concern. “Country of concern” means China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. “Agent” means anyone who (1) acts as an employee or representative or at the direction, control, or request of a foreign principal; (2) whose actions are financed, in whole or in part, by such foreign principal; and (3) who engages in political activity. “Political activity” means lobbying or advocating or opposing the nomination, recall, or election of a candidate for office or of a constitutional amendment. Violations can be punished by a fine of up to $5,000 for the first violation; $10,000 for the second; and $15,000 for the third and subsequent violations.

Alabama HB 358 (2026)

Status: Introduced Jan. 29, 2026

Would require anyone who is an “agent of a hostile foreign principal” or “foreign supported political organization” to register with and provide detailed information to the Arizona Secretary of State, including any information “the Secretary of State may from time to time require”. An “agent of a hostile foreign principal” is defined as anyone who engages in “political activity” who is an agent, employee or representative of a hostile foreign principal or acts at their direction or “request”. A “hostile foreign principal” is a government of a hostile foreign country; a nonresident alien of a hostile foreign country; corporation, organization, or association based under the law or having its principal place of business in a hostile foreign country; or a company or organization that is 20% beneficially owned by those who are otherwise a hostile foreign principal. “Hostile foreign country” means China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. “Political activity” is defined to include influencing any public official in the state or influencing the public within the state relating to changing any policies or laws or electing any official. A “foreign supported political organization” is defined as any organization, corporation, or association that engages in “political activity” and that has received money or other things of value within the past five years from a hostile foreign principal or agent of a hostile foreign principal. “Upon receipt of a complaint” that a covered entity or person has failed to register under the Act, the Secretary of State shall investigate, and if a person or entity failed to register in a timely manner can impose a civil penalty of up to $10,000. Willful or repeat violations will be fined at least $10,000 and up to $200,000.

Missouri HB 2879 (2026)

Status: Introduced Jan. 8, 2026

Would require registration with the Missouri ethics commission of any “agent of a hostile foreign principal” or “foreign-supported political organization”. An “agent of a hostile foreign principal” is any person who acts as agent, employee, or at the order or “request” of a hostile foreign principal whose actions are financed in whole or in part by a hostile foreign principal and engages in political activity. A “foreign-supported political organization” is a corporation, organization, or any other combination of persons that within the last five years received money or “things of value” from a hostile foreign principal or an agent of a hostile foreign principal that engages in political activity. A “hostile foreign principal” is a government or political party of a “hostile foreign country”; a nonresident alien of a “hostile foreign country”; a company, organization, or association that has its principal place of business in a “hostile foreign country” or under the control of a hostile foreign government, nonresident alien of a “hostile foreign country”, or an entity organized under its laws. “Hostile foreign country” is any nation determined to be a foreign adversary under U.S. Department of Commerce 15 C.F.R. 791.4. “Political activity” is defined to include attempting to influence any public official or the public within the state with reference to formulating or changing Missouri laws or policies or electing or opposing any candidate for office.

Within ten days of engaging in covered activity, registrants must register and provide a list of information, including the nature of their business, their business and residential addresses, and the nature of the covered activity. Violators may be fined up to $500 per infraction. Willful or repeat violations can lead to $10,000 fines per infraction or disbarment (for lawyers). The Missouri ethics commission can refer any matter to the attorney general for civil or criminal action.

Florida HB 905 / SB 1178 (2026)

Status: Introduced Jan. 7, 2026; Passed House March 13, 2026

Would require anyone who is an “agent of a foreign country of concern” or a “foreign supported political organization” to register with and provide detailed information to the Florida Division of Elections. An “agent of a foreign country of concern” is defined as anyone who engages in “political activity” who is an agent, employee or representative of a foreign country of concern or acts at their direction or “request”, and whose actions are financed in whole or in part by a foreign country of concern. “Foreign country of concern” means China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, the Venezuelan regime of Nicolas Maduro, the State of Qatar, or the Syrian Arab Republic, including any other “entity” under significant control of such foreign country of concern. “Political activity” is defined to include influencing any public official, influencing the public to change any laws or policies, or to “support or oppose any issue.” A “foreign supported political organization[s]” is defined as any organization, corporation, or association that engages in “political activity” in the state and that has as its principal place of business in a foreign country of concern or is at least 20% beneficially owned by a foreign country of concern, a nonresident alien from a foreign country of concern, or an entity organized under the law of or having its principal place of business in a foreign country of concern.

Any failure to register will result in a fine of $500 per infraction or for willful or repeated violations a fine of up to $2,000.

Georgia SB 177 (2025)

Status: Introduced Feb. 3, 2025; Passed Senate March 4, 2025; Passed House March 16, 2026

Requires an “agent of a hostile foreign principal” or “foreign supported political organization” to register with the state ethics commission. An “agent of a hostile foreign principal” is any person who acts as an agent, employee, or acts at the direction or request of a hostile foreign principal and whose actions are financed in whole or in part by a foreign principal and who engages in political activity. A “foreign supported political organization” means any organization, association, or other combination of persons that has within the past five years received money or other things of value from a hostile foreign principal or agent of a hostile foreign principal and engages in political activities. A “hostile foreign principal means” the government of a hostile foreign country (defined as North Korea, Iran, China, or Russia); a nonresident alien of a hostile foreign country; an association or company based in a hostile foreign country; or a company or other entity that is 20% or more beneficially owned by a hostile foreign government or an entity or nonresident alien from such a country. Political activity is defined as any activity performed to influence any public official in Georgia or the public in reference to changing its laws and policies or an election.

A violation of this law can lead to civil penalties by the Commission of up to $10,000. Willful or repeat violations should lead to civil penalties of at least $10,000 and up to $200,000. The Attorney General may also seek a temporary restraining order, civil penalties, or “initiate a criminal investigation.”

Oklahoma SB 660 (2025)

Status: Introduced Feb. 3, 2025

Would require anyone who is an agent of a foreign principal from a “country of concern” to register with the Oklahoma State Attorney General. A foreign principal includes a foreign government, company, organization, or individual. Country of concern is defined to be any country designated by the U.S. Secretary of State as “hostile” or a country of concern, which currently includes China, Pakistan, Nicaragua, North Korea, and several other countries. It nearly verbatim copies FARA’s agency definition, including if one acts at the “request” of a foreign principal. The covered activities are almost identical to FARA, such as engaging in political activities, soliciting or disbursing things of value, or acting as a publicity agent. It does not contain most of the exemptions in FARA, including for commercial, religious, academic, or humanitarian activity. It also has extensive labeling requirements for those who register. Failure to register is punishable by a $1,000 fine or 5 years imprisonment.

New York A 1302 (2025)

Status: Introduced Jan. 9, 2025

Prohibits a person who has ever been a “foreign agent” from holding civil office. “Foreign agent” is defined as a “person who acts at the order, request, or under the direction or control of a foreign organization or person outside of the United States or are controlled or subsidized in major part by a foreign government, organization, or person outside the United States.”

Missouri HB 1351 (2025)

Status: Introduced Feb. 18, 2025

Would require anyone who is an agent of a foreign principal from an “adversary nation” or “foreign terrorist organization” to register with the Missouri State Attorney General. A foreign principal includes a foreign government, company, organization, individual, an organization at least 20% owned by a foreign entity, or a foreign terrorist organization. Adversary nation is defined to be those designated by the federal government under 15 C.F.R. 791.4 (China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Maduro Regime) and foreign terrorist organization is defines as those designated by the U.S State Department under 8 U.S.C. 1189. It nearly verbatim copies FARA’s agency definition, including if one acts at the “request” of a foreign principal. The covered activities are almost identical to FARA, such as engaging in political activities, soliciting or disbursing things of value, or acting as a publicity agent. It does not contain most of the exemptions in FARA, including for commercial, religious, academic, or humanitarian activity. It also has extensive labeling requirements for those who register.

Failure to register is punishable by up to a $100,000 fine and can enjoined by the Attorney General if it involves ongoing activity. Any student or employee of a postsecondary educational institution found to be violation shall be expelled or dismissed. Any alien found in violation of the Act shall be subject to referral to the Justice Department for removal. “All active businesses and nonprofits operating within the state of Missouri shall attest on a filing form that they are cognizant of and in compliance” with this Act.

Defeated, Withdrawn, or Expired Legislation

Mississippi HB 1683 (2026)

Introduced Jan. 19, 2026

Would require a “foreign-supported political organization” or “representative of a hostile foreign principal” to register with the Mississippi Secretary of State and provide extensive information. A “foreign-supported political organization” is defined to include a company, organizations, or any other combination of persons that in the last five years received money from a “hostile foreign principal” or a “representative of a hostile foreign principal” and that engages in “political activity”. “Hostile foreign principal” means a foreign government, political party, or nonresident alien from a “hostile foreign nation” or an organization or company organized under its laws or having its principal place of business there. A “hostile foreign nation” means China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran. “Political activity” includes activity intended to influence a public official or the public within the state on government policy within the state or electing or opposing a candidate for office. A “representative of a hostile foreign principal” means a person who acts as an agent, representative, or acts at the order, request, or under the direction or control of a hostile foreign principal whose activities are financed in whole or in part by a hostile foreign principal and who engages in political activity. Upon receipt of complaint of a violation of this legislation the Secretary of Sate may investigate and assess penalties for violation, including civil penalties of up to $500 per violation or $2,000 per violation for willful or repeated violations.

Florida S 766 / HB 583 (2025)

Status: Passed House

Would require anyone who is an “agent of a foreign principal” to register with and provide detailed information to the Florida Division of Elections. An “agent of a foreign principal” is defined as anyone who engages in “political activity” who is an employee or representative of a foreign principal or acts at their direction or “request” or is financed in whole or in part by such principal. “Foreign principal” includes a foreign government, foreign company or nonprofit, a person domiciled outside the U.S, or a company or association at least 20% beneficially owned by those outside the U.S. “Political activity” is defined to include influencing any public official, influencing the public to change any laws or policies, or to “support or oppose any issue.”

All “foreign supported political organization[s]” must also register, which is any organization or other combination of persons who in the past five years received money or things of value from a foreign principal or an “agent of a foreign principal” and engages in political activity.

Any failure to register will result in a fine of $500 per infraction or for willful or repeated violations a fine of up to $2,000. If the foreign principal is a “hostile foreign principal” (defined as anyone who is a foreign principal because of China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia) then the fine is up to $10,000.

Indiana HB 1032 (2025)

Status: Passed House

Would require anyone who is an agent of a foreign principal from a “country of concern” to register with the Indiana State Attorney General. A foreign principal includes a foreign government, company, organization, or individual. Country of concern is defined to be Burma, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan, and other countries. It nearly verbatim copies FARA’s agency definition, including if one acts at the “request” of a foreign principal. The covered activities are almost identical to FARA, such as engaging in political activities, soliciting or disbursing things of value, or acting as a publicity agent. It does not contain most of the exemptions in FARA, including for commercial, religious, academic, or humanitarian activity. It also has extensive labeling requirements for those who register. Failure to register is punishable by a $100,000 fine or 2.5 years imprisonment.

Illinois SB 2371 (2025)

Status: Introduced Feb. 6, 2025

Oklahoma SB 960 (2025)

Status: Introduced Feb. 2, 2025

Tennessee SB 317 (2025)

Introduced: Jan. 27, 2025

Would require anyone who is an “agent of a hostile foreign principal” to register with and provide detailed information to the Tennessee ethics commission. An “agent of a hostile foreign principal” is defined as anyone who engages in “political activity” who is an employee or representative of a hostile foreign principal or acts at their direction or “request” or is financed in whole or in part by such principal. “Political activity” is defined to include any activity performed to influence an agency or public official within the state with reference to formulating, adopting, or changing policies of the state or electing or opposing a candidate for public office. The law does not require that that the hostile foreign principal undertake a direction or request in relation to the “political activity”. “Hostile foreign nation” is defined to be China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. All “foreign supported political organization[s]” must also register, which is any organization or other combination of persons who in the past five years received money or things of value from a hostile foreign principal or an “agent of a hostile foreign principal” and engages in political activity.

Any failure to register will result in a fine of $500 per infraction or for willful or repeated violations a fine of up to $10,000 or disbarment if an attorney. The commission may refer any matter to the Tennessee Attorney General for civil or criminal action.

Florida S 912 (2025)

Status: Introduced Feb. 19, 2025. Withdrawn from consideration on May 3, 2025

Would require anyone who is an agent of a foreign principal from an adversarial nation or foreign terrorist organization engaged in covered activities to register with and provide detailed information to the Florida Attorney General. The bill nearly verbatim copies FARA’s agency definition, including if one acts at the “request” of a foreign principal. Covered activities also copies from FARA, including broadly defined political activities, acting as a publicity agent or political consultant, or collecting or disbursing anything of value. Foreign principal includes a foreign government, foreign company or nonprofit, a person domiciled outside the U.S, a company or association at least 20% beneficially owned by those outside the U.S., or a foreign terrorist organization. Adversarial nation is defined to be any nation in 15 8.232 C.F.R. 7.4(a) (China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Maduro regime). Foreign terrorist organization means any organization on the U.S. State Department’s list of Designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations.The bill does not include many of the exemptions in FARA, including the commercial exemption.

It is a third degree felony to wilfully violate the statute punishable by up to 5 years in jail or alternatively up to a $100,000 fine. Anyone who is a student, staff, or faculty member of the Florida state university system must be expelled or dismissed upon conviction. Any alien who violates this bill would be referred to the federal government for deportation.

West Virginia HB 5043 (2023)

Status: Passed House on Feb. 23, 2024; introduced in Senate Feb. 29, 2024; expired in committee

Would require an agent of a foreign principal to register with the Secretary of State of West Virginia. Foreign principal is defined to include any foreign government, organization, company, or individual. It nearly verbatim copies FARA’s agency definition, including creating an agency relationship if one acts at the “request” of a foreign principal. It also nearly verbatim copies FARA’s covered activities, such as engaging in political activities, soliciting or disbursing things of value, or acting as a publicity agent. It also closely copies FARA’s exemptions. It copies many of FARA’s disclosure requirements.

Willful failure to register or filing a false statement of material fact is punishable by a $5,000 fine and three months imprisonment on the first offense, a $10,000 fine and 6 months imprisonment on the second offense, and a fine of up to $100,000 and up to 1 year imprisonment.

Arizona HB 2506 (2024)

Status: Passed House on Feb. 26, 2024; introduced in Senate Feb. 29, 2024; expired in committee

Would require the anyone acting as an agent of a foreign principal of a country of concern to register with the state attorney general’s office. Foreign principal is defined to include a foreign government or foreign corporation or association. Country of concern is defined to include China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. It uses an agency definition close to FARA’s, including if one acts at the “request” of a foreign principal. It also includes many of the same covered activities as FARA, such as engaging in political activities, soliciting or dispensing things of value, or acting as a publicity agent. However, it does not define these activities in the bill, creating potential confusing. It does not contain most of the exemptions in FARA, including for commercial, religious, academic, or humanitarian activity.

Knowing or willful violation of the act is a class 4 felony punishable by up to 3.75 years in jail and a $100,000 fine. Anyone employed or a student at any university (public or private) in the state who violates the act must be expelled or removed.

Oklahoma HB 1150 (2023)

Status: Passed House March 13, 2024 and sent to Senate; expired before passage

Tennessee SB 2863 (2024)

Status: Withdrawn

[Amendment] Would require anyone who is an agent of a foreign principal from a country of concern to register with the Tennessee ethics commission. A foreign principal includes a foreign government, company, organization, or individual. Country of concern is defined to mean China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Venezuela, or any other country determined to be a foreign adversary by the federal government. It nearly verbatim copies FARA’s agency definition, including if one acts at the “request” of a foreign principal. The covered activities are almost identical to FARA, such as engaging in political activities, soliciting or disbursing things of value, or acting as a publicity agent. It does not contain most of the exemptions in FARA, including for commercial, religious, academic, or humanitarian activity. Failure to register is punishable by a $100,000 fine or 5 years in jail.

California SB 1151 (2024)

Status: Passed Senate May 23, 2024; Introduced in Assembly May 24, 2024; expired in committee

Would require anyone acting as an agent of a foreign principal to register with the California Secretary of State. Foreign principal is defined to include any foreign government, organization, company, or individual. It nearly verbatim copies FARA’s agency definition, including creating an agency relationship if one acts at the “request” of a foreign principal. It also includes many of the same covered activities as FARA, such as engaging in political activities, soliciting or disbursing things of value, or acting as a publicity agent. It does not contain most of the exemptions in FARA, including for commercial, religious, academic, or humanitarian activity.

Illinois SB 3542 (2024)

Status: Introduced Feb. 9, 2024; expired before passage

Would require an agent of a foreign principal from a country of concern to register with the Attorney General of Illinois. Country of concern is defined to mean China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Venezuela, or any other entity designated by the Governor of Illinois. It nearly verbatim copies FARA’s agency definition, including if one acts at the “request” of a foreign principal. The covered activities are almost identical to FARA, such as engaging in political activities, soliciting or disbursing things of value, or acting as a publicity agent. It does not contain most of the exemptions in FARA, including for commercial, religious, academic, or humanitarian activity. Failure to register or misrepresentation in registration is a class 3 felony, punishable by 5 to 10 years in jail and a $100,000.

Georgia SB 368 (2024)

Status: Introduced Jan. 22, 2024; vetoed by Governor

Would require anyone acting as an agent of a foreign principal to register with the Georgia Ethics Commission. Foreign principal is defined to include any foreign government, organization, company, or individual. It nearly verbatim copies FARA’s agency definition, including creating an agency relationship if one acts at the “request” of a foreign principal. It also includes many of the same covered activities as FARA, such as engaging in political activities, soliciting or disbursing things of value, or acting as a publicity agent. However, it does not define these activities in the bill, creating potential confusing. It does not contain most of the exemptions in FARA, including for commercial, religious, academic, or humanitarian activity. Failure to register can lead to civil penalties, while misrepresentations in registration materials can potentially lead to criminal penalties.

ICNL