Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HR317

Introduced
2/7/24  
Refer
2/7/24  

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, HR317 would fundamentally alter the current landscape surrounding election financing. It would empower legislative bodies to implement regulations aimed at ensuring fairer electoral processes, potentially minimizing the impact of large donations and special interest groups. The bill is seen as a means to safeguard democratic principles by fostering a more equitable environment for political participation among citizens, regardless of their financial status. This would have implications not only for federal elections but also for state and local contests that adhere to these regulations.

Summary

HR317 is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution aimed at establishing the ability to regulate election spending. The bill emphasizes the importance of enabling every resident to fully exercise their rights to free speech, meaningful political participation, and representation. This legislative effort seeks to address the concerns regarding the escalating influence of money in politics, which many argue undermines the foundational principles of republican governance and federalism.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR317 is notably divisive. Advocates champion the bill for its potential to reinstate a level playing field in elections, viewing it as a necessary measure to combat corruption and the disproportionate political influence held by wealthy donors. Conversely, opponents express concerns about the implications for free speech and question the degree of government intervention in political funding. This debate highlights a significant ideological divide regarding the limits of campaign finance and the role of individuals and entities in the electoral process.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns around the regulation of election spending and its potential infringement on First Amendment rights. Critics argue that regulating such spending could be perceived as a suppression of free speech, as financial contributions to political campaigns are often viewed as a form of expression. The discussions highlight a complex interplay between maintaining electoral integrity and ensuring that all voices are heard in the political arena. As such, the bill's passage would likely be met with significant scrutiny and ongoing debate regarding its effects on campaign finance practices.

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 SR212

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.