AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Gov. Rick Perry has vetoed a bill that required some politically active nonprofits to disclose their major donors, saying it would have a “chilling effect” on free speech.
The bill had been seen as a likely target for a veto as influential conservative groups had urged Perry to strike it down.
Perry issued his veto message Saturday.
Supporters said the bill would crack down on “dark money,” or contributions secretly made to groups that avoid campaign finance and disclosure laws because of their nonprofit status.
Lawmakers could override Perry’s veto before the session adjourns Monday, but that appears unlikely considering the super-majority of lawmakers that would need in the House and Senate that would take.
___
Senate Bill 346: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=83R&B ill(equals)SB346.