Louisiana House Bill HCR28

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/19/14
• Refer: 3/20/14

Caption

Applies to the U.S. Congress to call a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution to address concerns raised by the 2010 decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

Impact

If enacted, HCR28 aims to shape the future of state laws concerning political campaigning and election financing. By seeking a convention, the resolution implies significant potential changes to constitutional laws governing political communication and spending. This could alter the landscape of campaign financing on both state and federal levels, potentially leading to stricter regulations intended to diminish the influence of money in politics and restore voter agency.

Summary

HCR28, a resolution from the Louisiana Legislature, applies to the U.S. Congress to convene a convention for the specific purpose of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution. This resolution responds directly to the concerns raised by the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which removed limits on independent political spending, allowing for increased influence of money in politics. The bill emphasizes the need for reform to address the perceived imbalance that this ruling has created in American democracy.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR28 is mixed, with strong support from members who view it as a necessary step toward restoring democracy and mitigating excessive corporate influence. Proponents argue that the Citizens United decision undermines the core principle of governmental dependence on the electorate. However, there are also opponents who question the practicality and implications of convening a convention, expressing concerns about the unpredictability and potential for unintended amendments to be proposed.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the structure of the proposed convention itself. HCR28 stipulates that delegates should be comprised equally from elected state and local officials, and excludes those who currently serve or have served in federal office. Critics argue this could limit the effectiveness and representativeness of the delegates. The resolution also expresses Louisiana's desire to retain control over its delegates, which raises questions about the consistency and integrity of the amendment process, highlighting the balance between state and federal powers.