Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy Act

To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to clarify the obligation to report acts of foreign election influence and require implementation of compliance and reporting systems by Federal campaigns to detect and report such acts, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy Act SHIELD Act (b) Table of contents The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Title I—Enhanced Reporting Requirements Subtitle A—Establishing Duty To Report Foreign Election Interference Sec. 101. Federal campaign reporting of foreign contacts. Sec. 102. Federal campaign foreign contact reporting compliance system. Sec. 103. Criminal penalties. Sec. 104. Rule of construction. Subtitle B—Strengthening Oversight of Online Political Advertising Sec. 111. Short title. Sec. 112. Purpose. Sec. 113. Expansion of definition of public communication. Sec. 114. Expansion of definition of electioneering communication. Sec. 115. Application of disclaimer statements to online communications. Sec. 116. Political record requirements for online platforms. Sec. 117. Preventing contributions, expenditures, independent expenditures, and disbursements for electioneering communications by foreign nationals in the form of online advertising. Title II—Closing Loopholes Allowing Spending by Foreign Nationals in Elections Sec. 201. Clarification of prohibition on participation by foreign nationals in election-related activities. Sec. 202. Clarification of application of foreign money ban to certain disbursements and activities. Sec. 203. Audit and report on illicit foreign money in Federal elections. Sec. 204. Prohibition on contributions and donations by foreign nationals in connections with ballot initiatives and referenda. Sec. 205. Expansion of limitations on foreign nationals participating in political advertising. Title III—Deterring Foreign Interference in Elections Subtitle A—Deterrence under Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 Sec. 301. Restrictions on exchange of campaign information between candidates and foreign powers. Sec. 302. Clarification of standard for determining existence of coordination between campaigns and outside interests. Subtitle B—Prohibiting Deceptive Practices and Preventing Voter Intimidation Sec. 311. Short title. Sec. 312. Prohibition on deceptive practices in Federal elections. Sec. 313. Corrective action. Sec. 314. Reports to Congress. Title IV—Miscellaneous Provisions Sec. 401. Effective dates of provisions. Sec. 402. Severability. I Enhanced Reporting Requirements A Establishing Duty To Report Foreign Election Interference 101. Federal campaign reporting of foreign contacts (a) Initial notice (1) In general Section 304 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ( 52 U.S.C. 30104 (j) Disclosure of reportable foreign contacts (1) Committee obligation to notify Not later than 1 week after a reportable foreign contact, each political committee shall notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Commission of the reportable foreign contact and provide a summary of the circumstances with respect to such reportable foreign contact. (2) Individual obligation to notify Not later than 3 days after a reportable foreign contact— (A) each candidate shall notify the treasurer or other designated official of the principal campaign committee of such candidate of the reportable foreign contact and provide a summary of the circumstances with respect to such reportable foreign contact; and (B) each official, employee, or agent of a political committee shall notify the treasurer or other designated official of the committee of the reportable foreign contact and provide a summary of the circumstances with respect to such reportable foreign contact. (3) Reportable foreign contact In this subsection: (A) In general The term reportable foreign contact (i) is between— (I) a candidate, a political committee, or any official, employee, or agent of such committee; and (II) an individual that the person described in subclause (I) knows, has reason to know, or reasonably believes is a covered foreign national; and (ii) the person described in clause (i)(I) knows, has reason to know, or reasonably believes involves— (I) an offer or other proposal for a contribution, donation, expenditure, disbursement, or solicitation described in section 319; or (II) coordination or collaboration with, an offer or provision of information or services to or from, or persistent and repeated contact with, a covered foreign national in connection with an election. (B) Exception The term reportable foreign contact (C) Covered foreign national defined (i) In general In this paragraph, the term covered foreign national (I) a foreign principal (as defined in section 1(b) of the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 ( 22 U.S.C. 611(b) (II) any person who acts as an agent, representative, employee, or servant, or any person who acts in any other capacity at the order, request, or under the direction or control, of a foreign principal described in subclause (I) or of a person any of whose activities are directly or indirectly supervised, directed, controlled, financed, or subsidized in whole or in major part by a foreign principal described in subclause (I); or (III) any person included in the list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury pursuant to authorities relating to the imposition of sanctions relating to the conduct of a foreign principal described in subclause (I). (ii) Clarification regarding application to citizens of the United States In the case of a citizen of the United States, subclause (II) of clause (i) applies only to the extent that the person involved acts within the scope of that person’s status as the agent of a foreign principal described in subclause (I) of clause (i). . (2) Effective date The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to reportable foreign contacts which occur on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Information included on report (1) In general Section 304(b) of such Act ( 52 U.S.C. 30104(b) (A) by striking and (B) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (8) and inserting ; and (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (9) for any reportable foreign contact (as defined in subsection (j)(3))— (A) the date, time, and location of the contact; (B) the date and time of when a designated official of the committee was notified of the contact; (C) the identity of individuals involved; and (D) a description of the contact, including the nature of any contribution, donation, expenditure, disbursement, or solicitation involved and the nature of any activity described in subsection (j)(3)(A)(ii)(II) involved. . (2) Effective date The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to reports filed on or after the expiration of the 60-day period which begins on the date of the enactment of this Act. 102. Federal campaign foreign contact reporting compliance system (a) In general Section 302 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ( 52 U.S.C. 30102 (j) Reportable foreign contacts compliance policy (1) Reporting Each political committee shall establish a policy that requires all officials, employees, and agents of such committee to notify the treasurer or other appropriate designated official of the committee of any reportable foreign contact (as defined in section 304(j)) not later than 3 days after such contact was made. (2) Retention and preservation of records Each political committee shall establish a policy that provides for the retention and preservation of records and information related to reportable foreign contacts (as so defined) for a period of not less than 3 years. (3) Certification (A) In general Upon filing its statement of organization under section 303(a), and with each report filed under section 304(a), the treasurer of each political committee (other than an authorized committee) shall certify that— (i) the committee has in place policies that meet the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2); (ii) the committee has designated an official to monitor compliance with such policies; and (iii) not later than 1 week after the beginning of any formal or informal affiliation with the committee, all officials, employees, and agents of such committee will— (I) receive notice of such policies; (II) be informed of the prohibitions under section 319; and (III) sign a certification affirming their understanding of such policies and prohibitions. (B) Authorized committees With respect to an authorized committee, the candidate shall make the certification required under subparagraph (A). . (b) Effective date (1) In general The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to political committees which file a statement of organization under section 303(a) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ( 52 U.S.C. 30103(a) (2) Transition rule for existing committees Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each political committee under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 shall file a certification with the Federal Election Commission that the committee is in compliance with the requirements of section 302(j) of such Act (as added by subsection (a)). 103. Criminal penalties Section 309(d)(1) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ( 52 U.S.C. 30109(d)(1) (E) Any person who knowingly and willfully commits a violation of subsection (j) or (b)(9) of section 304 or section 302(j) shall be fined not more than $500,000, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. (F) Any person who knowingly and willfully conceals or destroys any materials relating to a reportable foreign contact (as defined in section 304(j)) shall be fined not more than $1,000,000, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. . 104. Rule of construction Nothing in this subtitle or the amendments made by this subtitle shall be construed— (1) to impede legitimate journalistic activities; or (2) to impose any additional limitation on the right to express political views or to participate in public discourse of any individual who— (A) resides in the United States; (B) is not a citizen of the United States or a national of the United States, as defined in section 101(a)(22) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22) (C) is not lawfully admitted for permanent residence, as defined by section 101(a)(20) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) B Strengthening Oversight of Online Political Advertising 111. Short title This subtitle may be cited as the Honest Ads Act 112. Purpose The purpose of this subtitle is to enhance the integrity of American democracy and national security by improving disclosure requirements for online political advertisements in order to uphold the Supreme Court’s well-established standard that the electorate bears the right to be fully informed. 113. Expansion of definition of public communication (a) In general Paragraph (22) of section 301 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ( 52 U.S.C. 30101(22) or satellite communication satellite, paid internet, or paid digital communication (b) Treatment of contributions and expenditures Section 301 of such Act ( 52 U.S.C. 30101 (1) in paragraph (8)(B)— (A) by striking on broadcasting stations, or in newspapers, magazines, or similar types of general public political advertising in any public communication (B) by striking broadcasting, newspaper, magazine, billboard, direct mail, or similar type of general public communication or political advertising public communication (C) by striking but not including the use of broadcasting, newspapers, magazines, billboards, direct mail, or similar types of general public communication or political advertising but not including use in any public communication (2) in paragraph (9)(B)— (A) by amending clause (i) to read as follows: (i) any news story, commentary, or editorial distributed through the facilities of any broadcasting station or any print, online, or digital newspaper, magazine, blog, publication, or periodical, unless such broadcasting, print, online, or digital facilities are owned or controlled by any political party, political committee, or candidate; ; and (B) in clause (iv), by striking on broadcasting stations, or in newspapers, magazines, or similar types of general public political advertising in any public communication (c) Disclosure and disclaimer statements Subsection (a) of section 318 of such Act ( 52 U.S.C. 30120 (1) by striking financing any communication through any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, outdoor advertising facility, mailing, or any other type of general public political advertising financing any public communication (2) by striking solicits any contribution through any broadcasting station, newspaper, magazine, outdoor advertising facility, mailing, or any other type of general public political advertising solicits any contribution through any public communication 114. Expansion of definition of electioneering communication (a) Expansion to online communications (1) Application to qualified internet and digital communications (A) In general Subparagraph (A) of section 304(f)(3) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ( 52 U.S.C. 30104(f)(3)(A) or satellite communication satellite, or qualified internet or digital communication (B) Qualified internet or digital communication Paragraph (3) of section 304(f) of such Act ( 52 U.S.C. 30104(f) (D) Qualified internet or digital communication The term qualified internet or digital communication . (2) Nonapplication of relevant electorate to online communications Section 304(f)(3)(A)(i)(III) of such Act ( 52 U.S.C. 30104(f)(3)(A)(i)(III) any broadcast, cable, or satellite communication (3) News exemption Section 304(f)(3)(B)(i) of such Act ( 52 U.S.C. 30104(f)(3)(B)(i) (i) a communication appearing in a news story, commentary, or editorial distributed through the facilities of any broadcasting station or any online or digital newspaper, magazine, blog, publication, or periodical, unless such broadcasting, online, or digital facilities are owned or controlled by any political party, political committee, or candidate; . (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to communications made on or after January 1, 2020. 115. Application of disclaimer statements to online communications (a) Clear and conspicuous manner requirement Subsection (a) of section 318 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ( 52 U.S.C. 30120(a) (1) by striking shall clearly state shall state in a clear and conspicuous manner (2) by adding at the end the following flush sentence: For purposes of this section, a communication does not make a statement in a clear and conspicuous manner if it is difficult to read or hear or if the placement is easily overlooked. (b) Special rules for qualified internet or digital communications (1) In general Section 318 of such Act ( 52 U.S.C. 30120 (e) Special rules for qualified internet or digital communications (1) Special rules with respect to statements In the case of any communication to which this section applies which is a qualified internet or digital communication (as defined in section 304(f)(3)(D)) which is disseminated through a medium in which the provision of all of the information specified in this section is not possible, the communication shall, in a clear and conspicuous manner— (A) state the name of the person who paid for the communication; and (B) provide a means for the recipient of the communication to obtain the remainder of the information required under this section with minimal effort and without receiving or viewing any additional material other than such required information. (2) Safe harbor for determining clear and conspicuous manner A statement in a qualified internet or digital communication (as defined in section 304(f)(3)(D)) shall be considered to be made in a clear and conspicuous manner as provided in subsection (a) if the communication meets the following requirements: (A) Text or graphic communications In the case of a text or graphic communication, the statement— (i) appears in letters at least as large as the majority of the text in the communication; and (ii) meets the requirements of paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (c). (B) Audio communications In the case of an audio communication, the statement is spoken in a clearly audible and intelligible manner at the beginning or end of the communication and lasts at least 3 seconds. (C) Video communications In the case of a video communication which also includes audio, the statement— (i) is included at either the beginning or the end of the communication; and (ii) is made both in— (I) a written format that meets the requirements of subparagraph (A) and appears for at least 4 seconds; and (II) an audible format that meets the requirements of subparagraph (B). (D) Other communications In the case of any other type of communication, the statement is at least as clear and conspicuous as the statement specified in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C). . (2) Nonapplication of certain exceptions The exceptions provided in section 110.11(f)(1)(i) and (ii) of title 11, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor to such rules, shall have no application to qualified internet or digital communications (as defined in section 304(f)(3)(D) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as added by this Act). (c) Modification of additional requirements for certain communications Section 318(d) of such Act ( 52 U.S.C. 30120(d) (1) in paragraph (1)(A)— (A) by striking which is transmitted through radio which is in an audio format (B) by striking By radio Audio format (2) in paragraph (1)(B)— (A) by striking which is transmitted through television which is in video format (B) by striking By television Video format (3) in paragraph (2)— (A) by striking transmitted through radio or television made in audio or video format (B) by striking through television in video format 116. Political record requirements for online platforms (a) In general Section 304 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ( 52 U.S.C. 30104 (k) Disclosure of certain online advertisements (1) In general (A) Requirements for online platforms An online platform shall maintain, and make available for online public inspection in machine readable format, a complete record of any request to purchase on such online platform a qualified political advertisement which is made by a person whose aggregate requests to purchase qualified political advertisements on such online platform during the calendar year exceeds $500. (B) Requirements for advertisers Any person who requests to purchase a qualified political advertisement on an online platform shall provide the online platform with such information as is necessary for the online platform to comply with the requirements of subparagraph (A). (2) Contents of record A record maintained under paragraph (1)(A) shall contain— (A) a digital copy of the qualified political advertisement; (B) a description of the audience targeted by the advertisement, the number of views generated from the advertisement, and the date and time that the advertisement is first displayed and last displayed; and (C) information regarding— (i) the average rate charged for the advertisement; (ii) the name of the candidate to which the advertisement refers and the office to which the candidate is seeking election, the election to which the advertisement refers, or the national legislative issue to which the advertisement refers (as applicable); (iii) in the case of a request made by, or on behalf of, a candidate, the name of the candidate, the authorized committee of the candidate, and the treasurer of such committee; and (iv) in the case of any request not described in clause (iii), the name of the person purchasing the advertisement, the name, address, and phone number of a contact person for such person, and a list of the chief executive officers or members of the executive committee or of the board of directors of such person. (3) Online platform For purposes of this subsection, the term online platform (A) sells qualified political advertisements; and (B) has 50,000,000 or more unique monthly United States visitors or users for a majority of months during the preceding 12 months. (4) Qualified political advertisement For purposes of this subsection, the term qualified political advertisement (A) is made by or on behalf of a candidate; or (B) communicates a message relating to any political matter of national importance, including— (i) a candidate; (ii) any election to Federal office; or (iii) a national legislative issue of public importance. (5) Time to maintain file The information required under this subsection shall be made available as soon as possible and shall be retained by the online platform for a period of not less than 4 years. (6) Penalties For penalties for failure by online platforms, and persons requesting to purchase a qualified political advertisement on online platforms, to comply with the requirements of this subsection, see section 309. . (b) Rulemaking Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Election Commission shall establish rules— (1) requiring common data formats for the record required to be maintained under section 304(k) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (as added by subsection (a)) so that all online platforms submit and maintain data online in a common, machine-readable and publicly accessible format; and (2) establishing search interface requirements relating to such record, including searches by candidate name, issue, purchaser, and date. (c) Reporting Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, and biannually thereafter, the Chairman of the Federal Election Commission shall submit a report to Congress on— (1) matters relating to compliance with and the enforcement of the requirements of section 304(k) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as added by subsection (a); (2) recommendations for any modifications to such section to assist in carrying out its purposes; and (3) identifying ways to bring transparency and accountability to political advertisements distributed online for free. 117. Preventing contributions, expenditures, independent expenditures, and disbursements for electioneering communications by foreign nationals in the form of online advertising Section 319 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ( 52 U.S.C. 30121 (c) Each television or radio broadcast station, provider of cable or satellite television, or online platform (as defined in section 304(j)(3)) shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that communications described in section 318(a) and made available by such station, provider, or platform are not purchased by a foreign national, directly or indirectly. . II Closing Loopholes Allowing Spending by Foreign Nationals in Elections 201. Clarification of prohibition on participation by foreign nationals in election-related activities (a) Clarification of prohibition Section 319(a) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ( 52 U.S.C. 30121(a) (1) by striking or (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (2) and inserting ; or (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) a foreign national to direct, dictate, control, or directly or indirectly participate in the decision-making process of any person (including a corporation, labor organization, political committee, or political organization) with regard to such person’s Federal or non-Federal election-related activity, including any decision concerning the making of contributions, donations, expenditures, or disbursements in connection with an election for any Federal, State, or local office or any decision concerning the administration of a political committee. . (b) Certification of Compliance Section 319 of such Act ( 52 U.S.C. 30121 (d) Certification of compliance required prior to carrying out activity Prior to the making in connection with an election for Federal office of any contribution, donation, expenditure, independent expenditure, or disbursement for an electioneering communication by a corporation, limited liability corporation, or partnership during a year, the chief executive officer of the corporation, limited liability corporation, or partnership (or, if the corporation, limited liability corporation, or partnership does not have a chief executive officer, the highest ranking official of the corporation, limited liability corporation, or partnership), shall file a certification with the Commission, under penalty of perjury, that a foreign national did not direct, dictate, control, or directly or indirectly participate in the decision-making process relating to such activity in violation of subsection (a)(3), unless the chief executive officer has previously filed such a certification during that calendar year. . (c) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall take effect upon the expiration of the 180-day period which begins on the date of the enactment of this Act. 202. Clarification of application of foreign money ban to certain disbursements and activities (a) Application to disbursements to Super PACs Section 319(a)(1)(A) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ( 52 U.S.C. 30121(a)(1)(A) , including any disbursement to a political committee which accepts donations or contributions that do not comply with the limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements of this Act (or any disbursement to or on behalf of any account of a political committee which is established for the purpose of accepting such donations or contributions); (b) Conditions under which corporate PACs may make contributions and expenditures Section 316(b) of such Act ( 52 U.S.C. 30118(b) (8) A separate segregated fund established by a corporation may not make a contribution or expenditure during a year unless the fund has certified to the Commission the following during the year: (A) Each individual who manages the fund, and who is responsible for exercising decision-making authority for the fund, is a citizen of the United States or is lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States. (B) No foreign national under section 319 participates in any way in the decision-making processes of the fund with regard to contributions or expenditures under this Act. (C) The fund does not solicit or accept recommendations from any foreign national under section 319 with respect to the contributions or expenditures made by the fund. (D) Any member of the board of directors of the corporation who is a foreign national under section 319 abstains from voting on matters concerning the fund or its activities. . 203. Audit and report on illicit foreign money in Federal elections (a) In general Title III of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ( 52 U.S.C. 30101 319A. Audit and report on disbursements by foreign nationals (a) Audit (1) In general The Commission shall conduct an audit after each Federal election cycle to determine the incidence of illicit foreign money in such Federal election cycle. (2) Procedures In carrying out paragraph (1), the Commission shall conduct random audits of any disbursements required to be reported under this Act, in accordance with procedures established by the Commission. (b) Report Not later than 180 days after the end of each Federal election cycle, the Commission shall submit to Congress a report containing— (1) results of the audit required by subsection (a)(1); and (2) recommendations to address the presence of illicit foreign money in elections, as appropriate. (c) Definitions As used in this section: (1) The term Federal election cycle (2) The term illicit foreign money . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to the Federal election cycle that began during November 2018, and each succeeding Federal election cycle. 204. Prohibition on contributions and donations by foreign nationals in connections with ballot initiatives and referenda (a) In general Section 319(a)(1)(A) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ( 52 U.S.C. 30121(a)(1)(A) election election, including a State or local ballot initiative or referendum (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall apply with respect to elections held in 2020 or any succeeding year. 205. Expansion of limitations on foreign nationals participating in political advertising (a) Disbursements described Section 319(a)(1) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ( 52 U.S.C. 30121(a)(1) (1) by striking or (2) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following: (C) an expenditure; (D) an independent expenditure; (E) a disbursement for an electioneering communication (within the meaning of section 304(f)(3)); (F) a disbursement for a communication which is placed or promoted for a fee on a website, web application, or digital application that refers to a clearly identified candidate for election for Federal office and is disseminated within 60 days before a general, special, or runoff election for the office sought by the candidate or 30 days before a primary or preference election, or a convention or caucus of a political party that has authority to nominate a candidate for the office sought by the candidate; (G) a disbursement for a broadcast, cable or satellite communication, or for a communication which is placed or promoted for a fee on a website, web application, or digital application, that promotes, supports, attacks, or opposes the election of a clearly identified candidate for Federal, State, or local office (regardless of whether the communication contains express advocacy or the functional equivalent of express advocacy); (H) a disbursement for a broadcast, cable, or satellite communication, or for any communication which is placed or promoted for a fee on an online platform (as defined in section 304(k)(3)), that discusses a national legislative issue of public importance in a year in which a regularly scheduled general election for Federal office is held, but only if the disbursement is made by a covered foreign national described in section 304(j)(3)(C); or (I) a disbursement by a covered foreign national described in section 304(j)(3)(C) to compensate any person for internet activity that promotes, supports, attacks, or opposes the election of a clearly identified candidate for Federal, State, or local office (regardless of whether the activity communication contains express advocacy or the functional equivalent of express advocacy); . (b) Effective date The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to disbursements made on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. III Deterring Foreign Interference in Elections A Deterrence under Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 301. Restrictions on exchange of campaign information between candidates and foreign powers Section 319 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ( 52 U.S.C. 30121 (e) Restrictions on exchange of information between candidates and foreign powers (1) Treatment of offer to share nonpublic campaign material as solicitation of contribution from foreign national If a candidate or an individual affiliated with the campaign of a candidate, or if a political committee or an individual affiliated with a political committee, provides or offers to provide nonpublic campaign material to a covered foreign national or to another person whom the candidate, committee, or individual knows or has reason to know will provide the material to a covered foreign national, the candidate, committee, or individual (as the case may be) shall be considered for purposes of this section to have solicited a contribution or donation described in subsection (a)(1)(A) from a foreign national. (2) Definitions In this subsection, the following definitions apply: (A) The term candidate (B) The term covered foreign national (C) The term individual affiliated with a campaign (D) The term individual affiliated with a political committee (E) The term nonpublic campaign material . 302. Clarification of standard for determining existence of coordination between campaigns and outside interests Section 315(a) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ( 52 U.S.C. 30116(a) (10) For purposes of paragraph (7), an expenditure or disbursement may be considered to have been made in cooperation, consultation, or concert with, or coordinated with, a person without regard to whether or not the cooperation, consultation, or coordination is carried out pursuant to agreement or formal collaboration. . B Prohibiting Deceptive Practices and Preventing Voter Intimidation 311. Short title This subtitle may be cited as the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2019 312. Prohibition on deceptive practices in Federal elections (a) Prohibition Subsection (b) of section 2004 of the Revised Statutes ( 52 U.S.C. 10101(b) (1) by striking No person (1) In general No person ; and (2) by inserting at the end the following new paragraphs: (2) False statements regarding Federal elections (A) Prohibition No person, whether acting under color of law or otherwise, shall, within 60 days before an election described in paragraph (5), by any means, including by means of written, electronic, or telephonic communications, communicate or cause to be communicated information described in subparagraph (B), or produce information described in subparagraph (B) with the intent that such information be communicated, if such person— (i) knows such information to be materially false; and (ii) has the intent to impede or prevent another person from exercising the right to vote in an election described in paragraph (5). (B) Information described Information is described in this subparagraph if such information is regarding— (i) the time, place, or manner of holding any election described in paragraph (5); or (ii) the qualifications for or restrictions on voter eligibility for any such election, including— (I) any criminal penalties associated with voting in any such election; or (II) information regarding a voter's registration status or eligibility. (3) False statements regarding public endorsements (A) Prohibition No person, whether acting under color of law or otherwise, shall, within 60 days before an election described in paragraph (5), by any means, including by means of written, electronic, or telephonic communications, communicate, or cause to be communicated, a materially false statement about an endorsement, if such person— (i) knows such statement to be false; and (ii) has the intent to impede or prevent another person from exercising the right to vote in an election described in paragraph (5). (B) Definition of materially false For purposes of subparagraph (A), a statement about an endorsement is materially false (i) the statement states that a specifically named person, political party, or organization has endorsed the election of a specific candidate for a Federal office described in such paragraph; and (ii) such person, political party, or organization has not endorsed the election of such candidate. (4) Hindering, interfering with, or preventing voting or registering to vote No person, whether acting under color of law or otherwise, shall intentionally hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from voting, registering to vote, or aiding another person to vote or register to vote in an election described in paragraph (5). (5) Election described An election described in this paragraph is any general, primary, run-off, or special election held solely or in part for the purpose of nominating or electing a candidate for the office of President, Vice President, presidential elector, Member of the Senate, Member of the House of Representatives, or Delegate or Commissioner from a Territory or possession. . (b) Private right of action (1) In general Subsection (c) of section 2004 of the Revised Statutes ( 52 U.S.C. 10101(c) (A) by striking Whenever any person (1) Whenever any person ; and (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) Any person aggrieved by a violation of subsection (b)(2), (b)(3), or (b)(4) may institute a civil action for preventive relief, including an application in a United States district court for a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order. In any such action, the court, in its discretion, may allow the prevailing party a reasonable attorney’s fee as part of the costs. . (2) Conforming amendments (A) Subsection (e) of section 2004 of the Revised Statutes ( 52 U.S.C. 10101(e) subsection (c) subsection (c)(1) (B) Subsection (g) of section 2004 of the Revised Statutes ( 52 U.S.C. 10101(g) subsection (c) subsection (c)(1) (c) Criminal penalties (1) Deceptive acts Section 594 of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (A) by striking Whoever (a) Intimidation Whoever ; (B) in subsection (a), as inserted by subparagraph (A), by striking at any election at any general, primary, run-off, or special election (C) by adding at the end the following new subsections: (b) Deceptive acts (1) False statements regarding Federal elections (A) Prohibition It shall be unlawful for any person, whether acting under color of law or otherwise, within 60 days before an election described in subsection (e), by any means, including by means of written, electronic, or telephonic communications, to communicate or cause to be communicated information described in subparagraph (B), or produce information described in subparagraph (B) with the intent that such information be communicated, if such person— (i) knows such information to be materially false; and (ii) has the intent to mislead voters, or the intent to impede or prevent another person from exercising the right to vote in an election described in subsection (e). (B) Information described Information is described in this subparagraph if such information is regarding— (i) the time or place of holding any election described in subsection (e); or (ii) the qualifications for or restrictions on voter eligibility for any such election, including— (I) any criminal penalties associated with voting in any such election; or (II) information regarding a voter's registration status or eligibility. (2) Penalty Any person who violates paragraph (1) shall be fined not more than $100,000, imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both. (c) Hindering, interfering with, or preventing voting or registering To vote (1) Prohibition It shall be unlawful for any person, whether acting under color of law or otherwise, to intentionally hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from voting, registering to vote, or aiding another person to vote or register to vote in an election described in subsection (e). (2) Penalty Any person who violates paragraph (1) shall be fined not more than $100,000, imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both. (d) Attempt Any person who attempts to commit any offense described in subsection (a), (b)(1), or (c)(1) shall be subject to the same penalties as those prescribed for the offense that the person attempted to commit. (e) Election described An election described in this subsection is any general, primary, run-off, or special election held solely or in part for the purpose of nominating or electing a candidate for the office of President, Vice President, presidential elector, Member of the Senate, Member of the House of Representatives, or Delegate or Commissioner from a Territory or possession. . (2) Modification of penalty for voter intimidation Section 594(a) of title 18, United States Code, as amended by paragraph (1), is amended by striking fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year fined not more than $100,000, imprisoned for not more than 5 years (3) Sentencing guidelines (A) Review and amendment Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the United States Sentencing Commission, pursuant to its authority under section 994 of title 28, United States Code, and in accordance with this section, shall review and, if appropriate, amend the Federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of any offense under section 594 of title 18, United States Code, as amended by this section. (B) Authorization The United States Sentencing Commission may amend the Federal Sentencing Guidelines in accordance with the procedures set forth in section 21(a) of the Sentencing Act of 1987 ( 28 U.S.C. 994 (4) Payments for refraining from voting Subsection (c) of section 11 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 ( 52 U.S.C. 10307 either for registration to vote or for voting for registration to vote, for voting, or for not voting 313. Corrective action (a) Corrective action (1) In general If the Attorney General receives a credible report that materially false information has been or is being communicated in violation of paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 2004(b) of the Revised Statutes ( 52 U.S.C. 10101(b) (2) Communication of corrective information Any information communicated by the Attorney General under paragraph (1)— (A) shall— (i) be accurate and objective; (ii) consist of only the information necessary to correct the materially false information that has been or is being communicated; and (iii) to the extent practicable, be by a means that the Attorney General determines will reach the persons to whom the materially false information has been or is being communicated; and (B) shall not be designed to favor or disfavor any particular candidate, organization, or political party. (b) Written procedures and standards for taking corrective action (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall publish written procedures and standards for determining when and how corrective action will be taken under this section. (2) Inclusion of appropriate deadlines The procedures and standards under paragraph (1) shall include appropriate deadlines, based in part on the number of days remaining before the upcoming election. (3) Consultation In developing the procedures and standards under paragraph (1), the Attorney General shall consult with the Election Assistance Commission, State and local election officials, civil rights organizations, voting rights groups, voter protection groups, and other interested community organizations. (c) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to the Attorney General such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subtitle. 314. Reports to Congress (a) In general Not later than 180 days after each general election for Federal office, the Attorney General shall submit to Congress a report compiling all allegations received by the Attorney General of deceptive practices described in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of section 2004(b) of the Revised Statutes ( 52 U.S.C. 10101(b) (b) Contents (1) In general Each report submitted under subsection (a) shall include— (A) a description of each allegation of a deceptive practice described in subsection (a), including the geographic location, racial and ethnic composition, and language minority-group membership of the persons toward whom the alleged deceptive practice was directed; (B) the status of the investigation of each allegation described in subparagraph (A); (C) a description of each corrective action taken by the Attorney General under section 4(a) in response to an allegation described in subparagraph (A); (D) a description of each referral of an allegation described in subparagraph (A) to other Federal, State, or local agencies; (E) to the extent information is available, a description of any civil action instituted under section 2004(c)(2) of the Revised Statutes ( 52 U.S.C. 10101(c)(2) (F) a description of any criminal prosecution instituted under section 594 of title 18, United States Code, as amended by section 3(c), in connection with the receipt of an allegation described in subparagraph (A) by the Attorney General. (2) Exclusion of certain information (A) In general The Attorney General shall not include in a report submitted under subsection (a) any information protected from disclosure by rule 6(e) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure or any Federal criminal statute. (B) Exclusion of certain other information The Attorney General may determine that the following information shall not be included in a report submitted under subsection (a): (i) Any information that is privileged. (ii) Any information concerning an ongoing investigation. (iii) Any information concerning a criminal or civil proceeding conducted under seal. (iv) Any other nonpublic information that the Attorney General determines the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to infringe on the rights of any individual or adversely affect the integrity of a pending or future criminal investigation. (c) Report made public On the date that the Attorney General submits the report under subsection (a), the Attorney General shall also make the report publicly available through the internet and other appropriate means. IV Miscellaneous Provisions 401. Effective dates of provisions Each provision of this Act and each amendment made by a provision of this Act shall take effect on the effective date provided under this Act for such provision or such amendment without regard to whether or not the Federal Election Commission, the Attorney General, or any other person has promulgated regulations to carry out such provision or such amendment. 402. Severability If any provision of this Act or any amendment made by this Act, or the application of a provision of this Act or an amendment made by this Act to any person or circumstance, is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act, and the application of the provisions to any person or circumstance, shall not be affected by the holding.

Summary: Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy Act or the SHIELD Act This bill establishes a duty to report election interference from foreign entities, applies existing campaign advertising requirements to online advertisements, and generally limits political spending and election interference by foreign entities. Specifically, a political committee must report certain foreign contacts involving an offer of unlawful election assistance to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Election Commission. The bill establishes criminal penalties for violations of these requirements. Existing requirements for political advertisements and electioneering communications apply to internet and digital advertisements, including requirements related to disclosures and contributions. Additionally, large online platforms must maintain a public database of certain political advertisements. The bill places limitations on political spending by foreign entities. Specifically, foreign entities may not (1) contribute to campaigns related to ballot initiatives and referenda, or (2) make disbursements for certain internet activity referring to a candidate or a political issue. A candidate is prohibited from offering to share nonpublic campaign information with certain foreign entities. The bill also prohibits (1) the dissemination of false statements regarding federal elections or public endorsement, or (2) the intentional hindering of voting or registering to vote. The bill establishes criminal penalties and a private right of action with respect to these prohibitions.