Resolution supporting a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens' United
Impact
If enacted, HJ11 would represent a significant shift in the legal understanding of campaign contributions and expenditures, asserting that governments at all levels must have the power to regulate these financial aspects of elections to combat corruption and excessive influence from wealthy entities. This could lead to enhanced transparency and a leveling of the electoral playing field, potentially reshaping the conduct of future elections in Montana and beyond. Supporters believe these changes would align with the will of the Montana people, who previously expressed overwhelming support for limiting corporate influences in elections through initiatives.
Summary
House Joint Resolution 11 (HJ11) expresses the State of Montana's intent to urge Congress to propose a constitutional amendment clarifying that rights protected under the U.S. Constitution belong solely to individual human beings, not corporations or other artificial entities. The resolution outlines the negative impacts of the Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United v. FEC and subsequent decisions, which have allowed corporations and political entities to exert significant influence over elections, thereby undermining democratic processes. Proponents argue that such an amendment is necessary to restore fair access and accountability in campaign financing.
Sentiment
Sentiment around HJ11 varies significantly, with strong support from those advocating for campaign finance reform, including community organizations and many voters who are concerned about the growing role of money in politics. However, there are also vocal opponents who fear that limiting the rights of organizations could infringe upon free speech rights, as recognized by the Supreme Court in previous rulings. The debate touches on fundamental questions about democracy, representation, and the proper extent of political expression, causing divisions among citizens and legislators alike.
Contention
Notable points of contention include concerns regarding the interpretation of free speech rights in context of campaign finance. Advocates for HJ11 highlight the necessity of regulating money in politics for democratic integrity, citing the historical precedence in Montana for combatting corporate influence in elections. Opponents raise alarms about potential overreach and the risk of disenfranchising groups that rely on collective financial contributions for political advocacy. Thus, the resolution epitomizes a broader struggle over electoral equity and the definition of participation in the democratic process.
A resolution memorializing Congress to overturn the United States Supreme Court Citizens United v. FEC; requesting that Congress clarify that the rights are protected under the Constitution are the rights of natural persons and not the rights of artificial entities and that spending money to influence elections is not speech under the First Amendment; asking that Congress propose a constitutional amendment to provide such a clarification
A resolution memorializing Congress to overturn the United States Supreme Court Citizens United v. FEC; requesting that Congress clarify that the rights are protected under the Constitution are the rights of natural persons and not the rights of artificial entities and that spending money to influence elections is not speech under the First Amendment; asking that Congress propose a constitutional amendment to provide such a clarification
A resolution memorializing Congress to overturn the United States Supreme Court decision Citizens United v. FEC, requesting that Congress clarify that the rights protected under the Constitution are the rights of natural persons and not the rights of artificial entities and that spending money to influence elections is not speech under the First Amendment, and asking that Congress propose a constitutional amendment to provide such clarification.
A resolution memorializing Congress to overturn the United States Supreme Court decision Citizens United v. FEC; requesting that Congress clarify that the rights protected under the Constitution are the rights of natural persons and not the rights of artificial entities and that spending money to influence elections is not speech under the First Amendment; asking that Congress propose a constitutional amendment to provide such a clarification
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.