Bills already gaining strong Republican support in Senate

The Michigan House has advanced a plan spearheaded by Rep. Rachelle Smit (R-Martin) to protect Michigan elections from dangerous foreign influence and restore public confidence in election integrity.

The bill package, sponsored in partnership with Rep. William Bruck (R-Erie Township), closes gaps in state law that currently allow foreign-backed money to influence both election administration and Michigan ballot initiatives.

“Foreign nationals should have zero influence over how Michigan elections are run or what laws govern our state,” said Smit, who chairs the House Elections Committee. “These bills close loopholes that have gone unchecked for far too long and ensure that Michigan elections are decided by Michigan voters — not dangerous foreign interests.”

House Bill 5197, sponsored by Smit, targets a longstanding loophole in federal and state law that allows foreign money to flow into ballot proposal and initiative campaigns. While federal law bans foreign nationals from donating to candidates and political action committees, that prohibition does not apply to ballot measures.

As a result, foreign nationals such as Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss have been able to funnel hundreds of millions of dollars into U.S. political causes through dark money groups like the Sixteen Thirty Fund. Since 2017, nearly $34 million from that organization has flowed into Michigan ballot campaigns seeking to rewrite election law, impose new burdens on small businesses, and amend the state Constitution.

“We’re addressing the gaps in federal and state law that have left ballot initiatives uncovered by foreign-funding bans,” Smit said. “That is unacceptable, and we are taking action to stop it.”

House Bill 5198, sponsored by Bruck, strengthens enforcement of Michigan’s constitutional ban on foreign funding of election administration. While local governments may accept publicly disclosed private donations for election operations, foreign funds are explicitly prohibited.

Current law, however, provides no clear mechanism to identify or prevent foreign-backed contributions.

Bruck’s bill requires any individual or organization providing funds, goods, or services for election administration to certify whether they receive foreign funding, helping expose violations and prevent conflicts of interest.

Together, the bills form a comprehensive plan to safeguard Michigan elections from foreign interference and ensure transparency, accountability, and voter trust. They are also part of a greater effort from Michigan House Republicans to protect residents and families from the dangers of concerning foreign influence.

The bills now move to be considered by the state Senate, where Sen. Jim Runestad, the Senate’s assistant Republican caucus chair and longtime supporter of election integrity reforms, has already begun urging his colleagues to support the critical measures.

“Dark money from leftist foreign billionaires cannot be allowed to interfere in our elections,” said Runestad (R-White Lake). “I applaud the House for getting this done, and I will be fighting in the Senate to get this corrupting power out of our state.”