Bill > S2463

This bill seeks to address concerns about corporate influence in elections by proposing a United States Constitutional Amendment that would fundamentally change how political spending and corporate rights are understood. Specifically, the bill calls for a constitutional amendment that would: (1) affirm that constitutional rights apply only to natural persons (human individuals), not corporations, and (2) allow Congress and states to limit political contributions and expenditures, explicitly stating that spending money to influence elections is not protected as free speech under the First Amendment. If Congress does not propose such an amendment within 6 months, the bill serves as a formal petition for a limited constitutional amendment convention under Article V, which would require 33 other states to submit similar petitions. The bill is motivated by the Supreme Court's Citizens United and McCutcheon decisions, which the legislators believe have allowed powerful economic forces to undermine democratic self-governance by removing restrictions on political spending. The proposed convention would have strict limitations, including delegate selection rules that exclude current and former federal officeholders, and would be focused exclusively on addressing concerns about corporate rights and campaign finance.

Military Affairs and Security

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2463