Maine’s Democrat Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a bill on July 19 that would bar foreign governments from influencing state elections or ballot measures, but the state Legislature will make the final decision next week on whether the measure becomes law.
The governor cited constitutionality concerns as one of her reasons for blocking the bill (pdf), holding that it unlawfully restricts political speech and would likely silence “legitimate voices, including Maine-based businesses” that happen to have foreign investors.
But the provisions related to media outlets and internet platforms were what Ms. Mills said she found “most troubling.”
Specifically, the bill would require internet platforms to immediately remove communications paid for by foreign government-influenced entities. Media outlets would also be required to establish policies to ensure such communications are not distributed….