Bill > H5075

This bill, titled the "Personal Privacy Protection Act," aims to prevent government entities, referred to as "public bodies," from collecting or sharing private information about individuals who support or volunteer for nonprofit organizations. A nonprofit organization is defined as an entity recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS or one that has applied for such status, or a similar not-for-profit entity recognized by state law. "Personal information" under this act includes any data that identifies someone as a member, supporter, volunteer, or donor to a nonprofit. The bill explicitly prohibits public bodies from requiring or releasing this type of personal information, and also prevents them from demanding lists of nonprofit organizations that contractors or grantees have supported. While generally protecting this information, the act includes several exceptions, such as disclosures required by law, court orders, or specific legal discovery processes where a compelling need is proven and protective measures are in place. It also allows for the collection of information about nonprofit organization officials like directors or registered agents, but not the identity of financial donors unless they haven't requested anonymity and the nonprofit is affiliated with a public body. Violators of this act can face civil lawsuits seeking damages, with penalties ranging from a minimum of $2,500 per violation to three times that amount for intentional violations, and courts can award litigation costs and attorney fees. Criminal penalties for knowing violations include up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=5075&session=126&summary=B