Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing that the rights protected and extended by the Constitution are the rights of natural persons only.
Impact
The passing of HJR54 would significantly affect various state and federal laws by reinforcing the concept that only individuals hold constitutional rights. This would have repercussions on existing interpretations of corporate personhood, particularly in the context of campaign finance and political expenditures, which have been upheld as free speech under the First Amendment. By removing constitutional protections for corporations, the amendment seeks to foster a political landscape where economic disparities do not translate into disproportionate influence over the electoral and legislative processes.
Summary
HJR54 proposes an amendment to the United States Constitution stating that the rights protected and extended by the Constitution are exclusively those of natural persons. It explicitly states that artificial entities, such as corporations, do not possess rights under the Constitution and are subject to regulation by the people through various levels of government. This shift aims to redefine the legal interpretation of rights in relation to entities that are not human, effectively limiting the influence of corporate entities in political processes and governance.
Contention
Supporters of HJR54 argue that it is a vital step towards restoring democracy and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their financial status, have equal access to political influence. They contend that current interpretations of corporate rights undermine the democratic process, allowing wealthier entities to exert undue influence on elections. Conversely, opponents suggest that the amendment could lead to hindering economic growth and innovation due to increased regulatory burdens on businesses. The debate centers on the balance between free speech rights and the need to curb the influence of money in politics, making HJR54 a focal point for discussions about the role of corporations in democracy.
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
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing that there is no immunity from criminal prosecution for an act on the grounds that such act was within the constitutional authority or official duties of an individual, and providing that the President may not grant a pardon to himself or herself.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to section 1 of the Kansas bill of rights to affirm that men and women are possessed of equal and inalienable natural rights from conception.