House Committee Re-Examines ‘Dark Money’ Groups

WILL WEISSERT, Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A top Texas House committee is re-examining "dark money" political groups after Gov. Rick Perry vetoed a bill that would have subjected them to stricter disclosure rules.

A proposal last year required some politically active nonprofit groups to disclose major donors as other political groups do.

It passed the Legislature after heated debate, but Perry nixed it citing free speech concerns.

Supporters say such a law would increase government transparency by limiting secret "dark money" contributions to groups whose nonprofit status exempts them from campaign finance laws. But many conservative groups have opposed what they say will heap unwanted attention on donors trying to retain apolitical images.

State Affairs committee members will hear Thursday from Texas Ethics Commission Chairman Jim Clancy and Texans for Life Coalition President Kyleen Wright.

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