Wyoming 2023 Regular Session

Wyoming House Bill HJ0010

Introduced
1/31/23  

Caption

Political expenditures-2.

Impact

If HJ0010 is passed, it would compel Congress to act on a constitutional amendment affecting the nature of political contributions. The intent is to empower state and local legislatures to establish regulations that require clarity about who is financing candidates' campaigns. This could significantly alter the landscape of political financing by reducing the anonymity of corporate donors and promoting greater accountability among those who contribute to political campaigns. In a broader sense, this amendment aims to curtail the escalating corporate influence in politics that critics argue undermines democratic processes.

Summary

House Joint Resolution HJ0010 is a legislative proposal from the State of Wyoming urging Congress to propose a constitutional amendment that would require the identification of sources behind political contributions and limit the influence of non-natural persons, such as corporations, in campaign financing. The resolution reflects concerns regarding the impact of Supreme Court rulings that protect independent corporate expenditures as free speech, thus facilitating the rise of super PACs and the influx of untraceable funds in political campaigns. HJ0010 seeks to ensure that the sources of campaign funding are disclosed, thereby enhancing transparency in the political process.

Contention

The proposal is likely to be contentious, as it challenges established interpretations of the First Amendment as clarified by recent Supreme Court decisions. Advocates of HJ0010 argue that allowing non-natural persons to dominate campaign financing creates an unfair playing field that can distort the democratic process. Detractors, on the other hand, may oppose the resolution fearing it could suppress free speech and hinder the ability of organizations, including businesses and advocacy groups, to express their political interests effectively. The debate around HJ0010 is expected to elicit strong opinions regarding the balance between free speech and the necessity for transparency in political finance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WY SJ0006

Political expenditures.

WY HJ0002

Political expenditures.

WY SJ0008

Political expenditures.

WY HB0115

Elections administration.

WY S0158

An act relating to independent expenditure-only political committee contribution limits

WY AB83

Political Reform Act of 1974: contributions and expenditures by foreign-influenced business entities.

WY AB1819

Political Reform Act of 1974: contributions and expenditures by foreign-influenced business entities.

WY HB6913

OPEN Act Openness in Political Expenditures Now Act

WY SB00431

An Act Concerning Referenda, Independent Expenditures And Certain Other Political Spending.

WY HB2586

Relating to political contributions and political expenditures made to or by political committees or other persons.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.