Bill > HJR160

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment for the state of Missouri that would significantly limit the powers of corporations and other entities, referred to as "artificial persons," which are defined broadly to include business and nonprofit corporations, limited-liability companies, and various associations. The amendment asserts that these artificial persons exist only by the state's grant and should only possess powers expressly provided by the constitution, revoking all previously granted powers. Crucially, it prohibits artificial persons from engaging in "election activity" (supporting or opposing candidates or political parties) or "ballot issue activity" (supporting or opposing ballot questions), unless they are specifically organized as political committees that claim no "charter privilege" – meaning benefits conferred by the state like limited liability or perpetual existence – beyond limited liability. Any attempt by an artificial person to engage in such political activities would be considered void and result in the forfeiture of its state-granted privileges, with the legislature required to establish procedures for reinstatement and civil actions related to these violations.