Wisconsin Assembly Bill AJR92

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/8/23
• Refer: 11/8/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

An advisory referendum on an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Impact

If passed, AJR92 would not directly change state laws but would serve as an advisory measure to inform Wisconsin's congressional delegation and legislature on whether to support the proposed constitutional amendment. The amendment would assert that only human beings possess constitutional rights and clarify that money is not speech. This resolution emphasizes the desire for a more equitable electoral process by limiting the influence of corporate money in politics.

Summary

AJR92 is an assembly joint resolution introduced in the 2023-2024 legislative session, proposing an advisory referendum to gauge public sentiment on an amendment to the U.S. Constitution aimed at overturning the Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United v. F.E.C. This landmark decision allowed corporations to be treated as individuals for the purposes of political speech and removed limits on political spending. The resolution seeks to address concerns regarding the impact of unlimited political contributions and expenditures on local, state, and federal elections.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding AJR92 include debates over the influence of corporate spending on democracy and whether the preferences of voters should be reflected in constitutional amendments. Proponents of the resolution argue that it is essential to give all citizens an equal voice in political matters, while opponents may express concerns about the implications of such restrictions on free speech and campaign financing. The resolution effectively places a decision in the hands of the electorate regarding the future of political contributions and the extent of corporate influence in elections.