A bill moving forward in Michigan's Republican-led Legislature is designed to keep secret the identity of donors who give money to nonprofits, including organizations involved in elections.
Such groups running issue ads already do not have to disclose their donors. But the legislation approved Tuesday in a House committee would prohibit public agencies from trying to force disclosure or from releasing personal information without permission.
The proposed law would not preclude a lawful warrant being used to obtain information.
Supporters say the bill would protect people's rights of association.
Democratic Attorney General-elect Dana Nessel has criticized the bill, saying it would hurt her ability to investigate fraudulent charities and calling it a "ham-handed effort to shield dark money."
