Wisconsin Senate Bill SJR38

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/29/25
• Refer: 4/29/25

Caption

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

Impact

If approved, the advisory referendum would gauge public support for a constitutional amendment asserting that only human beings possess constitutional rights and clarifying that money does not equate to speech. This potential constitutional change would have far-reaching implications for how political campaigns are funded and could significantly alter the landscape of campaign finance regulation in the U.S. Should the amendment be pursued at the federal level, it would require ratification from three-fourths of state legislatures, reflecting the strong voices from the electorate concerned about the influence of money in politics.

Summary

Senate Joint Resolution 38 (SJR38) proposes an advisory referendum to be placed on the November 2026 ballot, asking voters whether Congress should propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution aimed at overturning the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. F.E.C. This landmark ruling established that corporations have the same rights as individuals when it comes to political speech, allowing unlimited corporate spending in elections. The intent behind SJR38 is to empower voters to express their desire for reform in campaign finance regulations.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SJR38 include concerns raised by both proponents and opponents of the resolution. Supporters argue that overturning Citizens United is crucial for restoring the integrity of democracy and ensuring all citizens have an equal voice in elections. They believe that current corporate influences create disparities in political power. Conversely, critics may worry about the implications of restricting political contributions, suggesting that it could hinder free speech or that the resolution might not address underlying issues of financial inequality in politics effectively. The discussions surrounding SJR38 thus highlight the ongoing debate over the balance of free speech rights and necessary regulations in campaign financing.