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 exempt from federal income tax or recognized as such under state law. "Personal information" is broadly defined to include any data that identifies someone as a donor, member, supporter, or volunteer of a nonprofit. The bill prohibits public bodies from requiring or compelling the release of this information, or from publicly disclosing it. It also prevents them from asking contractors or grantees for lists of nonprofits they've supported. While generally protecting this information, the bill includes several exceptions, such as disclosures required by law, lawful court orders or warrants, discovery in litigation with a demonstrated compelling need and protective order, voluntary public release by the individual, certain filings with the Secretary of State (though direct donor identification will not be disclosed), information related to donations to nonprofits affiliated with a public body unless anonymity was requested, and specific information handled by national securities associations. Violators of this act can face civil lawsuits seeking damages and legal costs, and intentional violations are considered misdemeanors punishable by fines or jail time.