This common-sense measure closes a glaring loophole in current law that allows foreign nationals and foreign-funded groups to pour millions of dollars into Georgia’s ballot measure campaigns.
April 2, 2026
Dear Georgia Senators,
We write on behalf of a broad coalition of organizations dedicated to preserving free and fair elections in Georgia and across the nation, to respectfully urge you to support HB 963 and bring it to the floor for an immediate vote. This common-sense measure closes a glaring loophole in current law that allows foreign nationals and foreign-funded groups to pour millions of dollars into Georgia’s ballot measure campaigns. It is time to close this loophole and ensure that all elections in this state are decided by American citizens and the voters of Georgia.
The need for this legislation is urgent and well-documented. Federal law already bans foreign nationals from contributing to candidates, parties, and super PACs. Yet ballot measures remain wide open to foreign spending. According to the watchdog group Americans for Public Trust, a single Swiss billionaire, Hansjörg Wyss, has funneled over $300 million into an organization called the Sixteen Thirty Fund. That group in turn has spent $130 million on ballot campaigns across 26 states, including over $33 million in Michigan, $20 million in Ohio, and nearly $17 million in Florida.
Without HB 963, there is nothing to stop organizations like the Sixteen Thirty Fund or foreign nationals tied to hostile nations like China or Russia from leveraging this loophole to funnel millions in foreign dark money into constitutional amendments and other campaigns.
HB 963 protects Georgia’s elections by prohibiting direct and indirect foreign contributions and influence of state and local measures and stopping groups like the Sixteen Thirty Fund from laundering foreign funding into these critical campaigns. The bill closely tracks legislation passed in eight states in 2025 alone, and several more—including Georgia—are actively considering similar measures this year.
Georgia should be the next state to take a stand against foreign influence in state elections. You have a long history of passing common sense laws to protect election integrity, and nothing is more fundamental than ensuring those elections are free of foreign interference. We thank you for your leadership on this critical issue and urge you to vote on HB 963 before sine die.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Bengston
Vice President of Operations & Advocacy
AMAC Action
