Institute For Free Speech

Disclosure: A Threat to Associational Privacy
January 1, 2018  •  By IFS staff  •    •  

Disclosure, in the campaign finance context, refers to laws and regulations requiring candidates and political groups to report information about their activities to the government, which then makes that information available publicly. The required information varies greatly, depending on the affected organization and the local, state, or federal government mandating the disclosure. Disclosure rules fall into two broad categories: disclosure…

A Sunshine Week Reminder: Transparency is for Government; Privacy is for People
March 16, 2018   •  By Alex Baiocco   •  , ,

By now, you may be aware that it’s Sunshine Week, “the annual nationwide celebration of access to public information” organized by the American Society ...

Constitutional and Practical Issues with Idaho S. 1337 (2017 Campaign Finance Reform Legislative Work Group Recommendations)
March 8, 2018   •  By Matt Nese   •  , , , ,

On behalf of the Institute for Free Speech (“the Institute”), we respectfully submit the following comments on constitutional and practical issues with portions of ...

You don’t want your info published. Neither do nonprofit donors
March 1, 2018   •  By Alex Baiocco   •  ,

Efforts to force civic groups to disclose their donors constitute a real threat by exposing Arizonans to potential harassment for their beliefs. Many are ...

Understanding the Differences Between Political and Issue Advocacy
March 1, 2018   •  By IFS Staff   •  , , ,

This Issue Brief explains the differences between political and issue advocacy in both layman’s terms and as viewed by the courts. In particular, the ...

Constitutional and Practical Issues with Idaho H. 573 (2017 Campaign Finance Reform Legislative Work Group Recommendations)
February 22, 2018   •  By Tyler Martinez   •  , , , ,

On behalf of the Institute for Free Speech (“the Institute”) and Attorney Tyler Martinez, I respectfully submit the following comments on constitutional and practical ...

Letter in Support of H.R. 4916 (“Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Act”)
February 21, 2018   •  By David Keating   •  , ,

The Institute for Free Speech writes in support of H.R. 4916, the “Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Act.” The measure, sponsored by ...

If $1,000 is crumbs, as Nancy Pelosi says, then campaign disclosure laws are out of date 
February 8, 2018   •  By Brad Smith   •  , ,

“ Crumbs.” That’s how House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi described the $1,000 bonuses paid to more than 200,000 AT&T employees as a result of ...

Constitutional and Practical Issues with Washington S.B. 5991
February 6, 2018   •  By Tyler Martinez   •  , , ,

On behalf of the Institute for Free Speech (“the Institute”), I respectfully submit the following comments concerning constitutional and practical issues with portions of ...

Washington State Legislators to Nonprofits: Give Us Your Donor List or Shut Up
January 31, 2018   •  By Alex Baiocco   •  ,

The Washington State Senate recently passed Senate Bill 5991, also known as the “Washington state DISCLOSE Act.” In short, the purpose of the bill ...

Constitutional and Practical Issues with Washington H.B. 2455
January 11, 2018   •  By Tyler Martinez   •  , , ,

On behalf of the Institute for Free Speech (“the Institute”), I respectfully submit the following comments concerning constitutional and practical issues with portions of ...

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