H.R. 8977 — Introduced in House

I 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 8977 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 21, 2026Mr. Lawler introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to make it a felony offense for any person who is seeking to be a candidate in an election for Federal office or an employee or agent of such a person to knowingly fraudulently sign any materials or documentation required to be filed as a condition of ballot access for such election, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the End Fraudulent Filings that Interfere with Elections Act or the EFFIE Act. 2. Penalties for certain fraudulent activity with respect to campaigns for Federal office (a) Restrictions Section 324 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30126) is amended to read as follows: 324. Fraudulent activity with respect to ballot access in an election for Federal office (a) In general No person who is seeking to be a candidate in an election for Federal office or an employee or agent of such a person shall knowingly fraudulently sign any materials or documentation required to be submitted as a condition of ballot access for such election. (b) Penalties Any violation of this section shall be a felony punishable upon conviction by a fine in any amount not exceeding $250,000, or imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or both. . (b) Effective date This section and the amendment made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.