JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - A new Mississippi law says government agencies may not require certain types of tax-exempt groups to disclose information about their donors.
Republican Gov. Phil Bryant signed House Bill 1205 on Thursday, and it becomes law July 1.
Bryant says the “threat” of public disclosure “has been used to attempt to silence free speech” of some types of advocacy groups.
Democratic Sen. David Blount of Jackson said this month that keeping donors’ names secret “would be the biggest step backward” since Mississippi enacted a campaign finance disclosure law. Blount said the public should know who is spending money to influence politics.
Republican Sen. Jenifer Branning of Philadelphia said people should be able to donate to 501 (c) (4) social welfare organizations without facing repercussions from those who disagree with their views.
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