Trend to Watch: State “Anti-Terrorism” Measures Targeting Nonprofits

What happened:
In 2026, several states introduced or enacted legislation or took executive action framed as combating terrorism or foreign interference. These measures generally let state officials investigate and designate certain nonprofits as “terrorist organizations.” That designation can restrict or eliminate access to state funding, lead to denied or revoked certifications and permits, or bring other restrictions. Five states (Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, and Tennessee) enacted such legislation this year. Four more (Arizona, Maryland, Minnesota, and Oklahoma) considered but did not pass similar bills. Two governors also issued executive proclamations declaring certain nonprofits to be terrorist organizations.

NCN’s position:
The National Council of Nonprofits unequivocally condemns terrorism. It also opposes legislative and executive actions that target charitable nonprofits based on their mission or the communities they serve, and urges legislators and state officials to reject them. NCN released a new factsheet on Statewide Anti-Terrorism Measures, drafted with help from several state associations of nonprofits.

Why it matters for Pennsylvania nonprofits:
Pennsylvania is not among the states NCN identified. But NCN warns these measures could let state officials target any nonprofit they disfavor, chilling free speech, free association, and due process rights. Combined with federal scrutiny of nonprofits this year, this is a trend Pennsylvania nonprofits should understand before a similar proposal appears in Harrisburg.

What nonprofits can do:
Read NCN’s factsheet and share it widely with your networks. If you see a similar proposal introduced in Pennsylvania, let PANO know (anna@pano.org).

================================================================================

Image by TUREK90 from Pixabay