SB 177 is a thinly-veiled attack on First Amendment-protected rights of freedom of expression and association.

The bill dramatically expands the state’s oversight of individual and organizational political activity.. The bill sponsors claim that the purpose is to increase transparency about the source of campaign contributions coming from “hostile foreign countries” defined as China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. However, broad language in the bill as well as the sponsor’s own testimony confirm that this bill is a vehicle for surveilling and suppressing political dissent, especially pro-Palestinian advocacy.

If made into law, the bill would grant the Attorney General unqualified discretion to investigate, penalize, and criminalize grassroots advocacy organizations. The broad definitions used in the bill also open up the potential for expanding scrutiny of labor unions, civil rights organizations, and student activist groups. By giving the Attorney General the authority to selectively initiate criminal investigations of those who take unpopular political positions, SB 177 seeks to silence opposition through intimidation and fear.

We need your help to stop SB 177 and protect our freedoms. Take a moment and contact your legislator and tell them to OPPOSE SB 177.