New York might force nonprofits to disclose political spending
501(c) organizations might be forced to disclose money spent on political activities in New York, if regulations proposed by state's attorney general are approved.
If enacted, the rules would go into effect in 2013 for local elections, and 2014 for statewide races. Disclosure rules would only apply to spending above $10,000. Also , 501(c)(3) organizations would be exempt, as they already are prohibited from becoming involved in political actions.
According to ASAE's Inroads, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's motive in proposing the regulations stem largely from the activities of 501(c){4} “social welfare” organizations, whose spending increased following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United.
“New York donors should know how nonprofit organizations that solicit donations from them are likely to use those funds,” the attorney general’s office wrote in its statement. “…Donors to nonprofit organizations may be unaware that their donations to a charitable, social welfare or similar organization can be used to directly or indirectly influence elections.”
Information on the proposed regulations and public hearings are available here.
