Peach Tree Times

Zack Pruitt, Director of U.S. Government Relations at Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), said the ratification of Senate Bill 414 is a step towards protecting the right of citizens to "peacefully support causes they believe in without fear of harassment."

"Every American should be free to peacefully support causes they believe in without fear of harassment or intimidation," said Pruitt. "This provision within the bill is an important step in guaranteeing privacy protections for all Georgians in a manner consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Thomas More Law Center v. Bonta, which affirmed that the First Amendment's promise of ‘free association' includes the right to privacy in financial giving." 

"We thank Rep. Matt Reeves, Sen. John Kennedy, and the Georgia Legislature for passing this critical legislation and Gov. Kemp for signing the bill into law in order to safeguard the ability of Georgians to give freely and privately without unnecessary government interference," he said.

The Personal Privacy Protection Act, also known as SB 414, was enacted by Governor Brian Kemp to protect the privacy of individuals who contribute to nonprofit organizations. The legislation prohibits public agencies from gathering or disclosing personal information related to charitable donations unless under specific legal circumstances. This provision aims to shield donors from harassment and uphold their right to privacy, aligning with the U.S. Supreme Court's acknowledgment of privacy in financial giving as a protected facet of the First Amendment. The law addresses increasing concerns about the safety and confidentiality of personal data in charitable endeavors.

According to (ADF), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against California's mandate for nonprofits to reveal major donors' identities in 2010 in Thomas More Law Center v. Bonta. This followed the state's mishandling of sensitive information, resulting in public exposure and heightened risk of cyber threats. This precedent for Georgia's SB 414 affirms the constitutional protection of anonymous support for charitable causes in alignment with the First Amendment's guarantee of free association.

ADF is an advocacy organization "committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, marriage and family, parental rights, and the sanctity of life," according to their website. Known for its advocacy at the U.S. Supreme Court, ADF has contributed to 74 victories at the court, representing a diverse range of clients including religious organizations, college students, family-owned businesses, and pro-life pregnancy centers. Since 2011, ADF has secured 15 victories at the Supreme Court. Kristen Waggoner has been leading ADF as CEO, President, and General Counsel since October 2022.

Pruitt holds the position of Senior Counsel and Director of U.S. Government Relations at Alliance Defending Freedom. With a background in policy analysis and public policy direction, Pruitt has experience in legal and governmental relations. He earned a Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law, specializing in International and Comparative Law, and a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. His career includes roles at Americans for Prosperity, the Family Action Council of Tennessee, and as a Research Fellow at the Acton Institute.