Support amendment re corporate personhood, money as speech
Impact
If successful, SR180 would signal a significant shift in the relationship between corporate entities and electoral politics. It seeks to challenge the status quo as established by landmark Supreme Court cases, such as Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which allowed for unlimited corporate spending in political campaigns. By proposing this amendment, the resolution positions itself to contribute to restoring political equality, aiming to ensure that all votes carry equal weight and that wealthy corporations do not dictate policy outcomes through extensive financial influence.
Summary
Senate Resolution 180 (SR180), introduced in the 135th General Assembly, calls for a constitutional amendment aimed at abolishing corporate personhood and the doctrine of money as speech. The resolution reflects a growing movement among citizens and municipalities advocating for a system where corporations do not hold the same rights as individuals, particularly in the context of electoral influence and governance. The sponsors of SR180 highlight the belief that the current framework allows corporations to overshadow the voice of individual citizens in the political sphere, further entrenching inequality within the democratic process.
Contention
The resolution has sparked discussions regarding the implications of corporate influence on governance and individuals' rights. Proponents argue that it is essential to reclaim democracy for the people, reaffirming that corporations are not individuals and should not possess electoral rights that surpass those of citizens. However, detractors may contend that limiting corporate political activity could have adverse effects on freedom of speech and economic engagement. SR180 ultimately embodies a significant ideological debate over the foundations of democracy and the role of money in politics.
Urging Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification an amendment to the United States Constitution that provides that corporations are not persons under the laws of the United States.
SENATE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO SUPPORT HOUSE RESOLUTION 54 OF THE 2023-2024 CONGRESS TO AMEND THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION TO PROVE THAT THE RIGHTS PROTECTED AND EXTENDED BY THE CONSTITUTION ARE THE RIGHTS OF NATURAL PERSONS ONLY
HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO SUPPORT HOUSE RESOLUTION 54 OF THE 2023-2024 CONGRESS TO AMEND THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION TO PROVE THAT THE RIGHTS PROTECTED AND EXTENDED BY THE CONSTITUTION ARE THE RIGHTS OF NATURAL PERSONS ONLY
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.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.