The bill H.734, titled the Vermont Nonprofit Advocacy Transparency and Accountability Act of 2026, aims to enhance transparency and accountability for nonprofit organizations involved in advocacy, lobbying, and public policy influence in Vermont. It introduces new definitions, including "advocacy organization" for entities spending over $10,000 annually on Vermont-focused issue advocacy, and "grassroots lobbying" for efforts urging public contact with legislators. The bill mandates that these organizations disclose their expenditures, affiliated entities, and major funders, as well as file quarterly reports with the Secretary of State detailing their financial activities.

Additionally, the bill requires advocacy organizations with annual revenues exceeding $1,000,000 to conduct biannual financial audits and submit the results to the Secretary of State. All public communications from these organizations must include a disclaimer indicating they are not authorized by any candidate. The act is designed to ensure that nonprofit organizations operate transparently in their political and advocacy activities, thereby promoting fair play in Vermont's electoral processes. The provisions of the bill will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 17-2901