August state nonprofit policy updates
From the National Council of Nonprofit Associations
In July, state legislators introduced dozens of bills that impact all nonprofits in their respective states. Below is a partial list of these bills, listed alphabetically by state. Unless otherwise noted, the bills below have not become law.
California: Non-Discrimination Protections – AB 14 reinforces 51 existing nondiscrimination protections; ensures that protections are consistent with the Unruh Civil Rights Act and a government code provision that applies to state-funded programs and activities, including those conducted by nonprofit organizations. For information on this and other bills in the state, visit the California Association of Nonprofits’ issue updates.
California: Alcoholic Beverage Control Act Amended – AB 323 allows for sale of wine and beer at fundraising events benefiting nonprofit organizations.
California: Exempt Status Streamlined – AB 897 allows nonprofit organizations exempted by IRS to claim exempt status in the state without appearing before Franchise Tax Board.
California: Disaster Reimbursement Authorization – AB 903 authorizes repayment for selected expenses of nonprofit disaster and emergency responders incurred while participating in disaster response.
Delaware: Grants Support Nonprofit Groups – HB 271 includes appropriations of grants-in-aid for the fiscal year ending March 2008; aid to neighborhood and community groups exceeds $15 million. The bill was signed into law on July 1.
Louisiana: Social Service Contract Increase – SB 136 increases the threshold for social service contracts from $150,000 to $250,000 before they must be let out for public request for proposals. For information on this and other bills in the state, refer to the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations’ policy page.
Michigan: Michigan Business Tax Passes – SB 94 replaces the revenue that would have been lost to state funded programs and services upon year-end expiration of Single Business Tax. Bill also includes credits for historic preservation and contributions to food banks, homeless shelters, and community foundations. The bill was signed into law on July 17, effective immediately. For information on this and other bills in the state, see the Michigan Nonprofit Association’s news page.
New Hampshire: Support for Volunteer Drivers – HB 767 prevents insurance companies from refusing to issue motor vehicle insurance or increasing rates for a person because the person is a volunteer driver; establishes a state coordinating council for community transportation in New Hampshire.
New York: Financial Assistance for Community Development – SB 3575 amends the New York state urban development corporation act by creating a community development financial institutions program to assist community development programs in distressed areas not served by other lending institutions. Signed into law July 3.
Ohio: Liquor Sale Permits for Nonprofit Events – SB 102 amends state codes to allow issuance of permits for sale of beer and intoxicating liquor to nonprofit organizations for specific events that occur on public space. Effective approximately Oct. 15, 2007.
Oregon: Community Sustainability Initiative – HB 3244 establishes board composition and prospective agenda for a sustainability movement to protect the environment, economy and community; calls for participation of nonprofit and community development organizations.
Pennsylvania: Welfare Services Photo ID Requirement – HB 83 welfare reform bill aims to prevent fraudulent use of welfare-related services by requiring that individuals receiving welfare services display a photo identification card; mandate is not accompanied by administrative funds sufficient to produce IDs or monitor compliance. For information on this and other bills in the state, see the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations’ policy page.
Pennsylvania: Increased Allowances for Charitable Gaming – HB 169 allows for organizations to increase daily and weekly prize limits, offer larger monthly prizes, and run daily and weekly small games of chance simultaneously.
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