New Jersey passes bill forcing presidential candidates to release tax returns

Quote:
New Jersey lawmakers this week passed legislation that would force any presidential and vice-presidential candidates to disclose their federal tax returns in order to appear on the state's ballots starting in 2020, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday.
The bill was approved in the Democratic-controlled state legislature along party lines and awaits a signature from Gov. Chris Christie, an ally of President Trump. Christie's office has not yet made an official statement on the legislation.
The bill was inspired by Trump, who refused to release his tax returns on the campaign trail and since entering office, breaking with years of election tradition.
If the bill is enacted, Electoral College voters wouldn't be able to cast a vote for any candidate who didn't disclose their tax returns.
State legislators across the country have started debating new measures that would require candidates running for president to publicly disclose their tax returns to qualify for the ballot.
New Mexico, Hawaii, Oregon and California are pursuing similar bills.

@chaski Said

Probably won't work.

In the USA laws protecting the privacy of one's taxes are actually pretty strong.

Sure, periodically a portion of someone's taxes are leaked by someone (maybe oneself), but even the horrible IRS takes the protection of one's tax filings very serious.

@chaski Said

Probably won't work.

In the USA laws protecting the privacy of one's taxes are actually pretty strong.

Sure, periodically a portion of someone's taxes are leaked by someone (maybe oneself), but even the horrible IRS takes the protection of one's tax filings very serious.

@DiscordTiger Said

I thought, (at least in the NM attempt) it was to add to the list of requirements to get on the ballot in that state.

they already have to do a bunch of other things to get on the ballot, nomination by a major party, number of signatures, it is a whole filing packet, which I believe requires a birth certificate for age and citizen requirements if necessary, which makes the drama over Obama, even more stupid.
That being said they can require it in the packet, I am not sure the filing packet is necessarily public records. Like the state secretary has to approve it, but I dont think they have to share it with the press. Privacy laws may be an issue.


If enough states do it, it will make the process official. but if it is just one, it may hurt the state.