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H.R. 8977119th CongressIn committeeLatest action May 21, 2026Decoded by AI · checked against the record
The plain-language version leads. The official text is always the reference.
HR 8977 makes fraudulent ballot access filings for federal elections a felony carrying up to 5 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
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HR 8977, the EFFIE Act, would create a specific federal felony under the Federal Election Campaign Act for knowingly faking or falsifying ballot access documents required to get a candidate onto a federal election ballot. This covers petition signatures and other official paperwork candidates must submit to qualify for offices such as Congress or the presidency. The bill was introduced in May 2026 and referred to two House committees for review.
The law would apply to candidates running for federal office and anyone working for their campaigns, including paid agents and staff. Everyday voters face no new direct requirements under the bill.
While ballot fraud of this kind may already be prosecuted under state laws or general federal fraud statutes, this bill would give federal authorities a dedicated, clearly defined legal tool specifically for misconduct in federal races. Adding the offense to the Federal Election Campaign Act is intended to affect who appears on ballots and to protect the integrity of the ballot access process.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it. Read the official bill on Congress.gov
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
Latest action: — 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.