Support CA to abolish corporate personhood, money as speech
Impact
If successful, HR211 would significantly affect the legal landscape regarding corporate rights, specifically by addressing interpretations established in cases like Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. By abolishing corporate personhood, the amendment would limit corporations' ability to spend unlimited amounts on political campaigns, potentially redistributing power back to individuals. This would encourage a political environment where the principle of one person, one vote is upheld, reducing undue influence by wealthy entities on electoral outcomes.
Summary
House Resolution 211 seeks to urge legislators at both the state and federal levels to support a constitutional amendment aimed at abolishing corporate personhood and the doctrine of money as speech. The resolution emphasizes the importance of free and fair elections as foundational elements of democracy and self-governance, asserting that corporations, while legal entities, should not possess the same rights as individuals under the Constitution. This bill reflects a growing movement among communities and citizens who feel that corporate influence in politics undermines democratic processes.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HR211 appears predominantly supportive among grassroots organizations and citizens concerned with the integrity of democracy. Advocates argue that the amendment is crucial for ensuring that elected representatives are accountable to human constituents rather than corporate interests. Critics of corporate personhood emphasize that current laws disproportionately favor large corporations at the expense of ordinary citizens, advocating for a return to a political system more reflective of true individual representation.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HR211 revolve around the balance of corporate rights and individual rights. Proponents highlight the need for reforms to curb the overwhelming financial influence corporations can exert on political processes, while opponents may argue that such reforms could infringe on free speech rights and hinder economic growth. The resolution calls for education and community engagement to build consensus and mobilize support for this legislative initiative, recognizing that the debate involves broader philosophical questions about the role of money in politics and governance.
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.