House adopts restriction on government disclosure of nonprofit donor lists
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Summary
The House approved H 5075 to prevent state and local public bodies from requesting or publicly disclosing personal information identifying members, donors or volunteers of 501(c)(3) nonprofits, with enumerated exceptions for court orders, legal obligations and voluntary disclosures.
The South Carolina House adopted H 5075 on second reading after a committee report clarified exemptions. Representative Moore explained that the bill would prohibit public bodies from requesting or disclosing lists or registers that identify donors, volunteers or supporters of nonprofit organizations (defined using federal 501(c)(3) categories), while preserving exceptions for court orders, discovery with heightened showings and disclosures required by law.
The committee amendment was requested by the Secretary of State’s office to clarify that the bill would not interfere with that office’s statutory authority to collect or disclose certain filings. Representative Moore said the amendment is a technical, non-substantive clarification that preserves established reporting and investigative functions.
Members asked whether the Secretary of State had been consulted directly and the sponsor said yes. After questions and discussion, the House recorded a roll-call vote of 115–0 on second reading, advancing the measure.
