Us Congress House Bill HJR54

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/12/25
• Refer: 2/12/25

Caption

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing that the rights protected and extended by the Constitution are the rights of natural persons only.

Impact

The passing of HJR54 would significantly affect various state and federal laws by reinforcing the concept that only individuals hold constitutional rights. This would have repercussions on existing interpretations of corporate personhood, particularly in the context of campaign finance and political expenditures, which have been upheld as free speech under the First Amendment. By removing constitutional protections for corporations, the amendment seeks to foster a political landscape where economic disparities do not translate into disproportionate influence over the electoral and legislative processes.

Summary

HJR54 proposes an amendment to the United States Constitution stating that the rights protected and extended by the Constitution are exclusively those of natural persons. It explicitly states that artificial entities, such as corporations, do not possess rights under the Constitution and are subject to regulation by the people through various levels of government. This shift aims to redefine the legal interpretation of rights in relation to entities that are not human, effectively limiting the influence of corporate entities in political processes and governance.

Contention

Supporters of HJR54 argue that it is a vital step towards restoring democracy and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their financial status, have equal access to political influence. They contend that current interpretations of corporate rights undermine the democratic process, allowing wealthier entities to exert undue influence on elections. Conversely, opponents suggest that the amendment could lead to hindering economic growth and innovation due to increased regulatory burdens on businesses. The debate centers on the balance between free speech rights and the need to curb the influence of money in politics, making HJR54 a focal point for discussions about the role of corporations in democracy.

Congress_id

119-HJRES-54

Introduced_date

2025-02-12