Legislation boosting foreign agent transparency requirements advances

The House Government Operations Subcommittee advanced a measure that would mandate foreign agents register and disclose their funding sources.

Apollo Beach Republican Rep. Michael Owen introduced the bill (HB 583), which would implement stricter policies around foreign political organizations.

“This bill is not a ban on participating in political activities, it doesn’t say you can’t participate in political activities whatsoever, this is a transparency bill,” Owen said. “It’s long overdue. Our enemies, as you know, they live in the shadows, they fund organizations and groups that are anti-American, they purchase our physical property, use our intellectual property laws against us, and use our citizens even against us.”

Owen explained that the bill requires individuals in organizations acting as agents of foreign principals to register with the Division of Elections and complete forms disclosing their identity, affiliations, financial transactions and political activities by Jan. 1, 2026.

“There are update requirements to the bill, and it authorizes the Florida Elections Commission to force compliance. It imposes fines for non-compliance, which is very important. It’s $500 per occurrence, $2,000 for repeated, and there are heightened penalties for violations involving hostile foreign principals,” Owen said.

“Hostile principals,” as defined in the legislation, include China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.

“This bill does not prohibit lobbying for foreign interests, nor does it ban or restrict certain activities,” Owen said. “As stated before, it is purely to promote transparency with respect to foreign influence over American public opinion, policy and laws. This is not vague, it’s not ambiguous … maybe it’s a little inconvenient. Maybe it’s a little detailed. But that price to me is worth it.”

Owen said the need for the legislation is “critical” and further noted that lawmakers need to make a move to prevent foreign interference in American processes.

“This transparency bill to sum up, seeks to mandate registration of foreign agents, opens foreign supported political organizations to disclosure of foreign funding sources, and establishes penalties for non-compliance,” Owen said. “We have got to take steps right now to stop foreign influence in our political processes.

During debate, Spring Hill Republican Rep. Jeff Holcomb said that the listed “hostile principals” are “doing way more than what most people come close to realizing,” and that Owen’s bill was a step in the right direction.

The committee passed the measure by a vote of 16 to 0 and will now go to the State Affairs Committee.

Post Views: 0