HB 963 is being sold as a bill about “foreign influence,” but its language is so broad that it will silence lawful community participation and penalize nonprofit civic engagement in Georgia.

The bill bans some immigrants from contributing to or “participating” in ballot-measure campaigns under accusations that foreign nationals improperly influence the democratic process. The bill defines “foreign national” broadly, including many lawful residents and some business entities with foreign ownership. It also defines “directly or indirectly” extremely broadly (acting “alone or jointly with, through, or on behalf of” others).

Even worse, HB 963 regulates routine community work by treating activity like drafting ballot language, polling/focus groups, phone calls, and travel as covered activity. That means nonprofits, faith groups, and local coalitions may pull back from ballot-measure advocacy out of fear, which hurts public participation on issues like schools, housing, local taxes, and public services.

HB 963 passed the house on Wednesday March 4 and now moves to the Georgia Senate, where Senators can stop it in committee and on the Senate floor.