HB556 • 2026

Foreign nationals; prohibit from making any contribution or expenditure connected to any ballot measure.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 23-15-819, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT A FOREIGN NATIONAL FROM MAKING ANY CONTRIBUTION OR EXPENDITURE IN CONNECTION WITH ANY STATE OR LOCAL BALLOT MEASURE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Elections

Did Not Pass

The latest official action shows that this bill did not move forward in that session.

Sponsor: Yancey, Hurst
Last action: 2026-02-03
Official status: Dead
Effective date: July 1, 20

Plain English Breakdown

Checked against official source text during the last sync.

Foreign Nationals Cannot Donate to Ballot Measures

This bill stops foreign nationals from giving money or other things of value related to any ballot measure in Mississippi.

What This Bill Does

Makes it illegal for foreign nationals to give money or items of value related to any ballot measure.
Prohibits foreign nationals from promising contributions or expenditures for ballot measures.
Forbids people from accepting donations from foreign nationals for ballot measures.

Who It Names or Affects

Foreign nationals who want to contribute to ballot measures in Mississippi
People and organizations that accept contributions for ballot measures

Terms To Know

foreign national: A person who is not a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill did not pass and will not become law.
It does not specify penalties for breaking the rules.

Bill History

2026-02-03 Mississippi Legislative Bill Status System
02/03 (H) Died In Committee
2026-01-13 Mississippi Legislative Bill Status System
01/13 (H) Referred To Apportionment and Elections

Official Summary Text

Foreign nationals; prohibit from making any contribution or expenditure connected to any ballot measure.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

H. B. No. 556 *HR26/R295* ~ OFFICIAL ~ G1/2
26/HR26/R295
PAGE 1 (ENK\KW)

To: Apportionment and
Elections
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026

By: Representatives Yancey, Hurst

HOUSE BILL NO. 556

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 23-15-819, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, 1
TO PROHIBIT A FOREIGN NATIONAL FROM MAKING ANY CONTRIBUTION OR 2
EXPENDITURE IN CONNECTION WITH ANY STATE OR LOCAL BALLOT MEASURE; 3
AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 4
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: 5
SECTION 1. Section 23-15-819, Mississippi Code of 1972, is 6
amended as follows: 7
23-15-819. (1) It shall be unlawful for a foreign national, 8
directly or through any other person, to make any contribution or 9
any expenditure of money or other thing of value, or to promise 10
expressly or impliedly to make any such contribution or 11
expenditure, in connection with an election to any political 12
office or in connection with any primary election, convention or 13
caucus held to select candidates for any political office, or in 14
connection with any state or local ballot measure. 15
(2) No person shall solicit, accept or receive any such 16
contribution from a foreign national. 17
(3) The term "foreign national" means: 18
H. B. No. 556 *HR26/R295* ~ OFFICIAL ~
26/HR26/R295
PAGE 2 (ENK\KW)
ST: Foreign nationals; prohibit from making any
contribution or expenditure connected to any
ballot measure.
(a) A foreign national as defined in 22 USCS 611(b), 19
except that the terms "foreign national" does not include any 20
individual who is a citizen of the United States; or 21
(b) An individual who is not a citizen of the United 22
States and who is not lawfully admitted for permanent residence. 23
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from 24
and after July 1, 2026. 25