Urging Congress to propose and send to the states for ratification a constitutional amendment to clarify that the states and Congress may reasonably regulate and limit the spending of money to influence campaigns, elections, or ballot measures.
Impact
If enacted, this resolution would support a framework allowing both the states and Congress to impose regulations on campaign finance that differentiate between natural persons and artificial entities, such as corporations and unions. The proposed constitutional amendment is seen as a necessary measure to preserve political equality and the integrity of electoral processes at both state and federal levels. It seeks to confront decades of judicial decisions that have permitted unchecked financial influences on electoral outcomes, thus reinforcing the principle of popular sovereignty.
Summary
SCR28 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the Texas legislature that urges the United States Congress to propose a constitutional amendment aimed at regulating and limiting monetary influence in campaigns, elections, and ballot measures. The resolution highlights the founding principles of American governance, emphasizing that political power resides with the people. It asserts that excessive monetary influence, particularly from foreign entities and wealthy special interests, undermines the electoral process and distorts public discourse.
Contention
Among the notable points of contention surrounding SCR28 is the debate on free speech. Proponents argue that without limits on financial contributions, the voices of individual voters are drowned out by powerful interests, leading to systemic corruption and compromised electoral integrity. Conversely, opponents may contend that any effort to limit campaign spending could infringe upon free speech rights as interpreted by the courts. This tension reflects broader national conversations regarding the role of money in politics and the balance between free expression and fair elections.
Identical
Urging Congress to propose and send to the states for ratification a constitutional amendment to clarify that the states and Congress may reasonably regulate and limit the spending of money to influence campaigns, elections, or ballot measures.
Urging Congress to propose and send to the states for ratification a constitutional amendment to clarify that the states and Congress may reasonably regulate and limit the spending of money to influence campaigns, elections, or ballot measures.
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