Texas House Bill HB4275

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the prohibited release by a public agency of information regarding the members, supporters, or volunteers of or donors to certain nonprofit organizations; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

The implications of HB 4275 are significant for state laws regarding donor information. By preventing the requirement of disclosure from nonprofit organizations, the bill serves to protect the identities of donors from being publicly accessible and misused. Such protection is particularly relevant amidst fears of reprisals or discrimination based on one's charitable contributions. The bill aims to mitigate what proponents call a chilling effect on charitable donations, which could potentially diminish the support organizations receive due to fear of public backlash.

Summary

House Bill 4275 is a legislative measure aimed at safeguarding the privacy of individuals and entities that support nonprofit organizations, specifically those categorized under sections 501(c)(3), (4), or (6) of the Internal Revenue Code. The bill prohibits public agencies from demanding or disclosing donor information, which includes any data identifying members, supporters, or volunteers of these nonprofits. This legislation reflects an increasing concern about the privacy of nonprofit contributors in the context of heightened scrutiny and activism in recent years.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from various nonprofit entities and advocates for donor privacy, it has also faced criticism. Opponents argue that the legislation could lead to a lack of transparency in donations, potentially enabling illegal or unethical activities to go unchecked. Critics express concerns that unlimited donor anonymity could facilitate the funding of groups that engage in harmful or regressive policies without accountability. The ongoing debate reflects a tension between the values of donor privacy and the demand for transparency in financial contributions to nonprofits.