Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SR212

Introduced
11/28/23  

Caption

Supporting an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to establish that election spending may be regulated to ensure that every resident may exercise the rights to free speech, political participation and meaningful representation, and to protect republican self-government and federalism.

Impact

If passed, SR212 could have significant implications for how campaign financing is regulated across the United States. The proposed amendment would allow for the establishment of laws that govern election spending, which may help to mitigate the influence of wealthy donors and special interest groups in political campaigns. This can lead to a more level playing field for candidates and could enhance the integrity of democratic processes by allowing broader participation by individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Summary

SR212 is a resolution supporting an amendment to the U.S. Constitution aimed at regulating election spending. The key objective of this bill is to ensure that every resident has the ability to exercise their rights related to free speech, political participation, and meaningful representation. By addressing the role of money in politics, the bill seeks to protect principles of republican self-government and federalism, suggesting that unchecked election spending may undermine the democratic process and equal representation of citizens.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR212 appears to be generally positive among its supporters, who argue that regulating election spending is essential for the health of democracy. Advocates believe that the amendment would bolster public trust in the electoral system by ensuring that all voices are heard equally. However, there may also be contention from opponents who fear that such regulations could infringe on free expression and diminish the influence of citizens in political discourse. This reflects a broader debate about the balance between regulating campaign financing and ensuring freedom of speech.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SR212 center on the implications of regulating political spending. Critics might argue that while the intent is to create fairness in elections, there is a risk that regulations could inhibit the ability of individuals to support candidates and causes they believe in. The discussion highlights the complex relationship between money and politics, as well as differing philosophies about the role of government in regulating speech and political activity.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SR126

Supporting an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to establish that election spending may be regulated to ensure that every resident may exercise the rights to free speech, political participation and meaningful representation, and to protect republican self-government and federalism.

PA HR317

Supporting an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to establish that election spending may be regulated to ensure that every resident may exercise the rights to free speech, political participation and meaningful representation, and to protect republican self-government and federalism.

PA SR0065

Urging Congress to propose an amendment to the Constitution of the U.S. to establish that campaign and election spending may be regulated.

PA HCR79

Urging Congress to propose and send to the states for ratification a constitutional amendment to clarify that the states and Congress may reasonably regulate and limit the spending of money to influence campaigns, elections, or ballot measures.

PA SCR28

Urging Congress to propose and send to the states for ratification a constitutional amendment to clarify that the states and Congress may reasonably regulate and limit the spending of money to influence campaigns, elections, or ballot measures.

PA SCR2

Urging the United States Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification an amendment to the United States Constitution that overturns Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, establishing that the spending of money to influence elections shall not be construed as speech under the First Amendment, and clarifying that only natural persons are protected by constitutional rights.

PA HCR21

Urging the United States Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification an amendment to the United States Constitution that overturns Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, establishing that the spending of money to influence elections shall not be construed as speech under the First Amendment, and clarifying that only natural persons are protected by constitutional rights.

PA SCR2

Urging Congress to propose and submit to the states an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that overturns Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, establishing that the spending of money to influence elections shall not be construed as speech under the First Amendment, and clarifying that only natural persons are protected by constitutional rights.

PA HCR49

Urging Congress to propose and submit to the states an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that overturns Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, establishing that the spending of money to influence elections shall not be construed as speech under the First Amendment, and clarifying that only natural persons are protected by constitutional rights.

PA SF569

A resolution memorializing Congress to overturn the United States Supreme Court Citizens United v. FEC; requesting that Congress clarify that the rights are protected under the Constitution are the rights of natural persons and not the rights of artificial entities and that spending money to influence elections is not speech under the First Amendment; asking that Congress propose a constitutional amendment to provide such a clarification

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.