Senate Bill 346 requires that any “person or group of persons” making more than $25,000 in so-called “political expenditures” in a calendar year turn over to the government the identities of the sources of all “political contributions” over $1,000 (§ 254.253(a)). This obligation applies unless the group of persons is “labor organization or any subordinate entity or associated account of a labor organization,” in which case there is no obligation to turn supporters’ identities over.
Excluded from this mandate are unions!
If Governor Perry signs SB346, this will lead to enhanced scrutiny of grassroots groups in Texas and their supporters. Supporters’ identities will have to be turned over if the groups are found to have tendered–or agreed to tender–more than $25,000 of value “in connection with” election-related activities in a calendar year, or tendered such value knowing that it could potentially be used “in connection with” such activities.
PERRY NEEDS TO VETO THIS BILL TODAY (Saturday), OR IT BECOMES LAW.
Governor Rick Perry’s contact info: Phone: (512) 463-2000 http://governor.state.tx.us/contact/