For Immediate Release: March 28, 2025    

Contact Sen. Brown: 573-751-3678/Ben.Brown@senate.mo.gov

Senator Ben Brown Applauds Senate Passage of Election Legislation

 Jefferson City — On March 27, the Missouri Senate passed Senate Bill 152, a landmark bill introduced by Sen. Ben Brown, R-Washington, to close loopholes that have allowed foreign nationals to influence the state’s electoral process. The legislation, which garnered overwhelming bipartisan support, addresses a growing threat to Missouri’s sovereignty and the right of its citizens to self-determination by prohibiting foreign funding of ballot measures.

“Foreign actors have exploited a gap in federal law—stemming from the 1995 Citizens United v. FEC ruling—that left ballot measures vulnerable to outside influence,” said Sen. Brown. “Senate Bill 152 ensures that Missourians, not foreign billionaires, determine the future of our state constitution.”

Senate Bill 152 introduces robust measures to:     

• Prohibit foreign nationals from directly or indirectly participating in decisions to influence ballot measures or soliciting contributions for such efforts.  
• Require treasurers of committees supporting or opposing ballot measures to certify that no “preliminary activity” was funded by foreign nationals.  
• Ban committees from knowingly accepting contributions from prohibited sources.  
• Mandates that donors and entities making expenditures over $10,000 affirm they are not foreign nationals and have not received significant funds from such sources in the prior four years.  

To ensure accountability, the bill strengthens enforcement by holding committee officers liable for violations and shifts investigative authority to the Missouri attorney general’s office, which is better equipped to handle out-of-state entities. 

The passage of SB 152 also reflects broad public support, with polling showing over 80% of Missourians favor banning foreign funding of ballot measures. 

“This is a win for all Missourians, regardless of political affiliation,” Sen. Brown added. “It’s about safeguarding our elections and ensuring that our state’s future is determined by its people, not by foreign interests.”

The bill now moves to the Missouri House of Representatives for consideration. Senator Brown and his colleagues urge swift action to safeguard the integrity of the state’s democratic process.

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