04/14/21- Legislative Watch

Updates on Issues Discussed In the Last Legislative Watc

Reminder: PPP Extension
On Thursday, March 25th, the Senate passed HR 1799, the PPP Extension Act of 2021, extending the deadline for PPP applications from March 31 to May 31st, 2021. However, funds for the program are being used up quickly, so it is imperative to get to work on your application as soon as possible. Find more information at sba.gov.

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Federal Updates: ​

​Supreme Court Challenges Donor Anonymity
Two cases before the United States Supreme Court are challenging the requirement by California and other states that charitable organizations file a copy of the Schedule B (or its equivalent) of their IRS Form 990 on a confidential, non-public basis when filing their charitable solicitation registration forms after two organizations, Americans for Prosperity Foundation and Thomas More Law Center, refused to file their Schedule B with the California Attorney General and instead filed separate lawsuits to stop any enforcement against them. Both organizations claimed that the First Amendment’s right of freedom of association allowed them to shield the identity of their major donors from state law enforcement officials – even on a confidential, non-public basis. 

The outcome of these cases could potentially impact donor funding for the nonprofit sector, restricting those donors who wish to remain anonymous from doing so. 

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Happening Now in Idaho

​The Idaho Legislature returned to session on Tuesday, April 6th after a two-week break prompted by a COVID-19 outbreak. 

Below is relevant proposed legislation currently under consideration by the Idaho Legislature.

Senate Bills:

• S1028: Gradually increases hourly minimum wage from $7.50 to $15.00 between 2021 and 2023. Tipped employee hourly wages will increase from from $3.35 to $7.50 in the same time frame. Additionally, counties may establish individual minimum wage laws higher than the state minimum.
• S1030: Amends existing law to provide that freedom from discrimination due to sexual orientation or gender identity is a civil right.  
• S1110: Amends existing law to revise signature requirements for ballot initiative or referendum petitions. 
  • In 2019, the Legislature passed SB 1159, seeking to increase hurdles for citizen-led initiatives and received widespread bipartisan condemnation (Read more). 
  • The current proposed bill (S1110) is seeking to further increase these hurdles. 
  • Resources: Boise Public Radio, Idaho Press

House Bills:

• H0041: Prohibits additional filing or reporting requirements not outlined in Idaho Code as applies to private foundations and charitable trusts.
• H0103: Amends existing law to permit remote participation (through platforms permitted by the Board of Directors) in meetings and formal voting for nonprofit organizations.
• H0177: Adds to existing law to provide than an employer may not penalize an employee for using earned or accrued sick leave

For a full list of proposed bills passing through the legislature right now, click here. For a list of all enacted legislation, click here.

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Stay Connected with the Idaho Legislature: Idaho In Session

​Idaho Public Television offers Idaho In Session, a free streaming service that allows organizations to track hearings and legislation that impacts them and their constituents, and can be found here.

More Information

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The Idaho Nonprofit Center would like to thank the National Council of Nonprofits for Content Themes. ​