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Washington state toughens disclosure laws

A new Washington state law would penalize trade associations and other nonprofit groups that fail to disclose their donors if the groups are engaged in political campaigns. The DISCLOSE Act was part of a package of bills signed into law March 19 by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee that supporters argue will strengthen the state's voting process while bringing greater transparency to elections. The state previously required political action committees to disclose their donors but other nonprofits were exempt. In a statement, the bill's sponsor, state Sen. Andy Billig (D-Spokane), called the legislation a "nation-leading transparency effort." The loophole for nonprofits led to a… Read More