New Hampshire Democrats are moving forward with a compromise version of their bill requiring non-profit advocacy groups, corporations, and business partnerships to register with the state in order to publish political speech in the form of political or issue advertising during state campaigns, according to New Hampshire Watchdog.
“The new language, crafted overnight by Democratic Party attorney Kathy Sullivan, would exempt 501(c)3 organizations, but still cover 501(c)4 groups, corporations, LLC’s, and partnerships who wish to spend $10,000 in a single election cycle. Non-profit groups would not have to disclose their donors, as was included in prior drafts,” according to New Hampshire Watchdog reporter Grant Bosse.
“The penalty for violations has been reduced to $250 per violation, and the $25 filing fee has been removed. Corporations would need to show proof that their boards of directors have approved political activity, but would no longer have to disclose the maximum amount that will spend on political activity. The deal allows any candidate involved in the political ads to file suit directly in Merrimack County Superior Court, whether or not the Attorney General finds evidence of a violation, but removes the ability of any voter to file a lawsuit against sponsoring organizations.”
For more details, go here.
