The proposed bill, S.B. No. 1299, aims to protect the personal affiliation information of members, supporters, volunteers, and donors of certain nonprofit organizations from being released by public agencies. It introduces Chapter 3001 to the Government Code, which defines key terms such as "nonprofit organization," "personal affiliation information," and "public agency." The bill prohibits public agencies from requiring individuals or nonprofit organizations to disclose personal affiliation information, releasing such information, or compelling contractors to provide lists of nonprofit organizations they support. Additionally, it specifies that personal affiliation information is exempt from release under Chapter 552 of the Government Code.

The bill also establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations of these provisions. Individuals who believe their personal affiliation information has been improperly disclosed can bring a civil action for injunctive relief and damages, with a minimum of $2,500 for each violation. Furthermore, the bill states that a violation of the prohibition against releasing personal affiliation information constitutes a Class B misdemeanor. The provisions of this bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply only to information released or disclosed after that date.

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