1.1 A resolution
1.2 memorializing Congress to propose the For Our Freedom Amendment
1.3 WHEREAS, the Minnesota Constitution recognizes that "all political power is inherent" in
1.4the People, and that we may "modify or reform government whenever required by the public good";
1.5and
1.6 WHEREAS, the People of Minnesota have compelling sovereign interests in fostering robust
1.7political debate and self-government, protecting the free speech interests of all individuals, securing
1.8the liberty and political equality of our citizens, guarding against corruption, and advancing
1.9federalism and the interests of the several States; and
1.10 WHEREAS, Section 9 of Article VII of the Minnesota Constitution recognizes the public's
1.11compelling interest in campaign spending limits, providing that "the amount that may be spent by
1.12candidates for constitutional and legislative offices to campaign for nomination or election shall
1.13be limited by law. The legislature shall provide by law for disclosure of contributions and
1.14expenditures made to support or oppose candidates for state elective offices"; and
1.15 WHEREAS, reasonable limits on how money is used to influence the outcomes of elections
1.16may be wise (1) to secure the interests of all citizens of our State to be represented and participate
1.17in elections and self-government; (2) to protect the integrity of elections and government against
1.18out-of-state and foreign interests and undue influence of wealthy special interests, whether of
1.19corporations, unions, or other artificial entities; and (3) to ensure that elected representatives are
1.20aligned with the interests of actual constituents; and
1.21 WHEREAS, over the past five decades, the Supreme Court has gradually come to equate
1.22unlimited election spending with "free speech," contrary to the original public meaning of the First
1.23Amendment. This unlimited spending is drowning out the free speech interests of actual constituents,
1.24narrowing debate, weakening federalism and self-governance in the States, and increasing the risk
1.25of systemic corruption; and
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25-02290 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR
SENATE
STATE OF MINNESOTA
S.F. No. 2517NINETY-FOURTH SESSION
(SENATE AUTHORS: PORT, Bahr, Carlson and Boldon)
OFFICIAL STATUSD-PGDATE
Introduction and first reading03/13/2025
Referred to State and Local Government 2.1 WHEREAS, the Framers wisely granted the States the power to amend the United States
2.2Constitution when necessary to make the Constitution, and our Union, ever more perfect and to
2.3protect and preserve self-government and liberty; NOW, THEREFORE,
2.4 BE IT RESOLVED that the legislature of the State of Minnesota hereby calls upon the United
2.5States Congress to propose and send to the States for ratification a Constitutional amendment to
2.6clarify that the States and Congress, within their respective jurisdictions, may set reasonable limits
2.7on the spending of money to influence elections, and that in so doing the States and Congress may
2.8distinguish between natural persons and artificial entities, such as corporations, unions, and artificial
2.9intelligences; and
2.10 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota is directed
2.11to prepare an enrolled copy of this resolution, to be authenticated by his signature, and transmit it
2.12to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the United
2.13States House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, the Minority
2.14Leader of the United States Senate, and to each member of the Minnesota Congressional delegation.
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25-02290 as introduced02/03/25 REVISOR JFK/KR