Bill > HJ11

This joint resolution urges Congress to propose a constitutional amendment addressing the role of corporations in political campaigns and elections. The resolution argues that the U.S. Constitution was originally intended to protect the rights of human beings, not corporations, and that recent Supreme Court decisions (particularly Citizens United) have expanded corporate political spending in ways that undermine democratic processes. The proposed amendment would explicitly state that constitutional rights belong only to human beings, allow governments to regulate campaign contributions and expenditures, require public disclosure of political spending, and prevent such regulations from being considered unconstitutional. The resolution highlights Montana's specific historical context, including past initiatives to limit corporate political influence and the dramatic increase in campaign spending since the Citizens United decision. Specifically, the resolution calls for a constitutional amendment that would: (1) confirm rights belong to human beings only, (2) subject corporate entities to government regulation, (3) enable governments to limit campaign contributions to ensure fair political access, (4) mandate public disclosure of political spending, and (5) ensure these regulations cannot be deemed unconstitutional. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of this request to Montana's congressional representatives.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2888