Massachusetts House Bill H3502

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Refer: 3/4/24

Caption

Resolutions for a United States constitutional amendment and a limited amendment proposing convention

Impact

If enacted, H3502 would affect state laws by reinforcing the idea that constitutional protections and rights are reserved for individuals, not corporate entities. This could result in significant changes to the manner in which campaign financing is regulated at both state and federal levels. The anticipated outcome includes greater transparency in political contributions and limitations on corporate influence over elections, which supporters believe is crucial for restoring public trust in the democratic process.

Summary

House Bill 3502 seeks to initiate a movement for a United States constitutional amendment that addresses the issues surrounding political contributions and the integrity of elections. The bill's proponents argue that Supreme Court decisions like Citizens United v. FEC have led to an overwhelming influence of money in politics, undermining the ability of ordinary citizens to participate effectively in self-governance. This resolution aims to call for a convention, as allowed under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, to propose amendments that would clarify the rights of natural persons versus those of corporations in the context of political contributions and expenditures.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding H3502, particularly regarding the methods and implications of obtaining a constitutional amendment. Critics may argue that calling for a convention could lead to unintended consequences, such as the opening up of broader constitutional debates that could change various rights rather than solely focusing on campaign finance reforms. Additionally, there are concerns about the practicality of ensuring that the convention's scope remains limited to specific issues raised in the bill, posing challenges in the gathering of support from other states.