House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Rep. Jody Hice (R-GA) introduced legislation (H.R. 6195) just prior to the Congressional recess that would permit an organization exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code to make statements relating to political campaigns as long as the statements “are made in the ordinary course of carrying out its tax-exempt purpose.” Such activity has been prohibited since 1954 due to amendment proposed by then-Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson (D-TX) which barred churches and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits from endorsing or opposing political candidates.

Source: House bill would modify Johnson amendment, allow 501(c)(3) organizations to engage in partisan politics »Blog