Maine lawmakers have taken a step toward barring companies controlled by foreign governments from spending money to influence ballot measures.
The 10-2 vote by the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee could signal a big blow to Hydro-Quebec, the Canadian energy company that has spent lavishly trying to convince Maine voters to approve a controversial transmission project by Central Maine Power.
The amended bill would bar any company with greater than 10 percent ownership by a foreign government from electioneering or contributing to another domestic political group.
Hydro-Quebec is wholly owned by the provincial government of Quebec.
If passed by the full Legislature, the measure would close a loophole in state law that has allowed the company to spend more than $10 million on advertising so far.
Maine Public Radio first reported the loophole in 2019.
The committee tabled a bill that could include prohibitions on corporations with foreign investors.
This article appears through a media partnership with Maine Public.