SF1033 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

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

AI Generated Summary

Senate File No. 1033 is a resolution presented to the state legislature, urging the U.S. Congress to propose a constitutional amendment in response to the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. FEC. The resolution contends that the Constitution's protections should apply only to natural persons (humans), not artificial entities like corporations. It also argues that spending money should not be considered a form of protected speech under the First Amendment.

The resolution seeks to: 1. Define constitutional rights as being applicable only to living individuals, not corporations or other types of organizations. 2. Allow federal, state, and local governments to regulate, limit, or even prohibit financial contributions and expenditures in political processes to ensure all citizens, regardless of economic status, have equal access and influence. 3. Mandate public disclosure of permissible contributions and expenditures in politics.

The resolution expresses concern that equating money with speech gives undue power to corporations and wealthy interests, thereby undermining the democratic process and equal participation by all citizens. It calls for action to ensure government remains by, for, and of the people. If passed, copies of the resolution would be sent to key congressional leaders and Minnesota's representatives in Congress to encourage them to act accordingly.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 05, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 05, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toElections
February 09, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added
February 19, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added