Dangerous bill could allow weapons at nonprofit events

Why this matters:  Bill would create a chilling effect for nonprofits renting public space for events/parades. Organizations would be unable to adequately protect their community and could be priced out due to significant liability insurance increases.

INC position: Advocating Against 

Senate Bill 1310 was introduced last week by Senator Herndon (District 1) and would require that weapons be allowed to be carried on premises of any public space that is rented or leased, by a private entity and is free/open to the public.

Many nonprofits rent public spaces for open, free, public events and do not wish to have weapons for reasons of:

• safety
• discouraging intimidation
• liability insurance purposes

We will continue monitoring this bill and will send out a call for action if this bill has momentum. 

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Small amendments to state sponsorships bill; still a problem

Why this matters: This would prohibit state departments from sponsoring non-governmental organizations (i.e., nonprofits) without permission from the governor and would drastically affect our sector’s ability to partner with state government.

INC Position: Advocating Against

Representative Monks (District 22) has slightly amended his State partnership/donation bill and reintroduced it as H0603 (previously H0463).

​The modifications exempts state commissions and the State Board of Education/Universities from this prohibition—demonstrating just some of the ‘donations’ or ‘sponsorships’ that were overlooked in the formation of this problematic legislation.

The majority of the text remains the same and we are still opposed to this version, which would hinder nonprofits from partnering with the State of Idaho to serve their community.
We encourage you to contact your state representatives to share your concerns regarding this bill. To make it as easy as possible, we have a templated letter for you to insert your information and send to your representatives.

• find your representatives on the Idaho Legislative website
  

Take action: send this letter to your state representative

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Contact Idaho's US Senators today to support the Federal Non-Itemizer Charitable Deduction

Why this matters:  Tax incentives are a proven driver of charitable contributions to nonprofits.

INC Position: Advocating For

At the end of January, the House did what many thought was impossible: pass significant tax legislation with wide, bipartisan support. That was the case for the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (H.R. 7024). It garnered support from 77% of Republicans and 88% of Democrats.
In the Senate, numerous Senators from both sides of the aisle have said they will support the bill as currently written. However, action has been slowed over reported concerns about some of the bill’s provisions. The current version does not include restoration of the non-itemizer charitable deduction:

• an incentive that had provides taxpayers claiming the standard deduction the opportunity to get a tax break for donating to the work of charitable organizations.
  

It’s important that your elected officials hear directly from the charitable nonprofit community. Please call or email them today.

• “We ask that the Senator insist on restoration of the non-itemizer (universal) deduction as a provision in any tax package under consideration.” ​
  

Take action: call or write your representatives and senators