The Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections advanced a bill 8-0 on Monday that would require agents of foreign countries of concern and foreign-supported political organizations to disclose their “identity, affiliations, financial transactions, and political activities" with the Florida Division of Elections.
Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) presented his bill (SB 766) to the committee. Rep. Michael Owen (R-Apollo Beach) is carrying the House version (HB 583).
"This bill seeks to align two significant issues, first transparency and representation on behalf of countries of concern. Second, the funding of political activity by foreign governments of concern," Burgess said.
Sen. Burgess also issued a strike-all to the bill. Specifically, Burgess said the strike-all changes the term being used from foreign principal to agent of a country of concern.
"The strike-all clarifies that the countries being targeted are now defined as countries of concern, which is used in other parts of Florida Statute. These countries include countries such as China, Russia, Iran, Syria, North Korea, Cuba, and the Maduro regime in Venezuela, " Burgess said.
Burgess mentioned the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which has been codified at the federal level since 1938, as a reason for the change.
"That's actually a lot more restrictive than what we are looking to do. We are simply just saying you need to register if you're going to engage in political activities and you're a principal or an agent related to a foreign country of concern," Burgess said of the amendment.
If fully approved, a person or organization would face a $500 to 2,000 fine for repeat offenses. A violation from a hostile foreign principal such as China, Russia, or Iran would carry a $10,000 fine and a temporary or permanent registration ban.
SB 766 has two more committee stops. The House bill has one more committee stop.
If signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis into law, SB 766/HB 583 would take effect on July 1.
