Campaign reform legislation would bar foreign funds

CARSON CITY — A state Senate committee amended a sweeping campaign reform bill Saturday to prohibit campaign contributions from foreign nationals.

It’s an embarrassing issue for state lawmakers this session after dozens received contributions from a foreign-based company that sought to position itself for legalized Internet poker in the state.

Most lawmakers who received contributions from PokerStars said they were unaware the company was based overseas and returned the cash. PokerStars is based in the Isle of Man.

While federal law prohibits contributions from foreign nationals, officials said Nevada law was vague.

An amendment to AB82 sponsored by state Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas, was adopted by the Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections. The bill now goes to the Senate floor.

The amendment prohibits candidates and political action committees from receiving contributions from people who are not citizens of the United States.

“I believe we need to bring state law into compliance with federal law,” Horsford said.

State Sen. James Settelmeyer, R-Minden, said the amendment didn’t go far enough and should include prohibitions against trips paid by foreign sponsors.

Under the amendment, any contributions received from a source outside the United State must be returned within 30 days after discovery. The provision would also make it a gross misdemeanor to knowingly receive contributions from a foreign national.