State foreign agent laws gain momentum as critics warn of risks

More states are passing laws that require individuals or companies with ties to foreign governments to register with local authorities, a step supporters say strengthens security, but critics warn it could spark legal battles and economic harm.

What began as a handful of proposals narrowly focused on state-level lobbying has grown into a broader campaign, modeled in part on the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act. That law requires people representing foreign interests to disclose their work to the United States government.