Plain-English summary
Court limits state power to demand nonprofit donor lists without strong justification
The Court held that California’s requirement that charities disclose detailed donor lists (Schedule B) to the Attorney General violated the First Amendment because the State failed to meet exacting scrutiny. The judgment reversing the Ninth Circuit blocks California’s blanket demand without a tighter, evidence-based showing of need.
Why this matters
The ruling protects the privacy of donors to nonprofit organizations by limiting when and how a state can demand detailed donor information. It also reaffirms that state investigations must be narrowly tailored and supported by evidence before compelling groups to disclose their supporters, or else they risk chilling speech and association.
Who may feel it
- Charitable and nonprofit organizations that solicit donors in California (and similar state disclosure regimes)
- Individual donors who give to nonprofits and may want anonymity
- State officials who investigate alleged nonprofit misconduct
- Lawyers and advocates focusing on First Amendment and nonprofit law
Key questions