Nebraska has passed a sweeping new law requiring every business and nonprofit in the state to declare whether they work on behalf of foreign terrorist groups or adversary nations such as China and Iran. Governor Jim Pillen signed the Foreign Adversary and Terrorist Agent Registration Act into law on Wednesday, calling it a necessary step to protect Nebraskans from modern global threats. The law mandates that anyone working for designated terror groups or nations like Russia, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela under Maduro, and others must register as foreign agents with the state attorney general if their activities include political campaigning, publishing information, or collecting funds. The registry will be made public, including the names, addresses, and citizenship statuses of those involved, and violations could result in civil penalties up to $50,000.
Supporters argue the law addresses rising security concerns, with Pillen dismissing critics as out of touch with global realities. However, opponents, including Democratic lawmakers and the ACLU of Nebraska, denounced it as modern-day McCarthyism and xenophobic fearmongering, forcing businesses and nonprofits into what they call “loyalty pledges.” The bill passed the Legislature with a 37-11 vote despite concerns over free speech, privacy, and civil liberties. The law also bans companies from adversary nations from receiving state tax credits, restricts health facilities from using genetic sequencers tied to foreign adversaries, and prohibits foreign agents from intimidating Nebraskans to suppress their constitutional rights. It is set to take effect this September, with enforcement under the attorney general’s discretion to investigate suspected unregistered agents without judicial approval.
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