Bill > S140

This bill amends Section 23 of Chapter 68 of the General Laws to require professional solicitors and commercial co-venturers, who are individuals or organizations soliciting donations for charitable purposes, to clearly disclose specific information before requesting a contribution. This includes the solicitor's true name, confirmation that they are a paid fund-raiser, the name of the employer if applicable, the true name, address, and phone number of the charitable organization, and a description of how contributions will be used for charitable purposes. Additionally, the bill mandates disclosure of the guaranteed minimum percentage of gross receipts that will go to charity and the percentage spent on fundraising costs, which are defined to include direct fundraising expenses and a portion of administrative costs and salaries. A key provision limits the amount spent on professional solicitors or commercial co-venturers to no more than fifty percent of charitable donations. Violations of these disclosure requirements will be considered violations of Chapter 93A, a consumer protection law, allowing aggrieved individuals to pursue legal action for damages or injunctions.