Calif. Regulators Tighten Rules on Nonprofit Politicking

California’s campaign-finance watchdog office approved new requirements Thursday that effectively outlaw “dark money” flowing from nonprofits into state elections, reports the Los Angeles Times.

The move by the Fair Political Practices Commission follows on previous legislation and regulatory action mandating donor disclosure by groups supporting or opposing state candidates or ballot measures. Officials were concerned the existing rules could still allow nondisclosure if nonprofits routed contributions through groups from outside California.

“We heard rumblings from various federal PACs and out-of-state committees about this rule not applying to them,” commission Chairwoman Jodi Remke said. “This closes a major potential loophole in California’s reporting requirements to stop any kind of undisclosed donors and dark money.”