California’s demand for nonprofit donor lists could head to Supreme Court

The Supreme Court could decide as early as this week whether to review a California law that currently forces nonprofits to disclose who their donors are. 

California says it requires this information because they want to prevent fraudulent organizations from taking advantage of the tax break that comes along with being a verified nonprofit. 

As of now, nonprofits fill out multiple forms, including one that requires a list of all major donors. As a result, after the approval process, nonprofits are exempt from paying income tax. 

However, some conservative organizations, such as Thomas More Law Center, who brought this case forward, are arguing that giving their donor list over to the state is unconstitutional, violating the First Amendment’s implied right of freedom of association.

Further, the groups are arguing that donor information could fall into the hands of activists on the left who could then harass their donors and potentially threaten their future donations.The other issue in question is California’s ability to protect that information when it is reported. 

It will take at least four justices to agree for the case to move forward.