(The Center Square) – Senators in North Carolina have advanced a proposal keeping 501(c) donors’ personal information protected.
The Personal Privacy Protection Act, known also as Senate Bill 416, is in the House of Representatives awaiting direction from the Rules Committee. Authored by Burke County Republican Warren Daniel, the proposal has drawn comparisons to a 2021 bill that didn’t get past a gubernatorial veto.
Campaign finance disclosure laws are not changed by the bill.
Proponents of the legislation say it is in line with freedom to give without being exposed. When he vetoed, then-Gov. Roy Cooper said “dark money” was protected.
The bill sets disclosure violations punishments of up to 90 days in jail or up to a $1,000 fine.
No Republicans were in opposition. Democratic Sens. Dan Blue of Wake County, Paul Lowe of Forsyth County and Gladys Robinson of Guilford County were in favor.
If enacted, the bill becomes law Dec. 1.