Can HawaiʻI Deliver All of America from Citizens United?
A proposed state Senate bill in Hawaiʻi aims to challenge the Citizens United ruling by redefining the powers of corporations in relation to political contributions. If passed, Senate Bill 2471 would clarify that corporations cannot spend money to influence elections, potentially limiting the influence of super PACs. The bill has garnered support from lawmakers and experts, although it faces opposition from the Attorney General's Office over constitutional concerns.
- ▪Senate Bill 2471 seeks to redefine corporations as 'artificial persons' without the power to influence elections financially.
- ▪The bill has passed the Senate unanimously and is awaiting further consideration in the House.
- ▪Supporters argue it could lead to greater transparency in political donations.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
A state Senate bill proposes a novel approach that one legal expert says would make the controversial national campaign finance law irrelevant in the islands. Few decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court have had a greater impact on the nation’s political landscape than the 2010 ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. The 5-4 decision allowed corporations and other outside groups including labor unions to spend unlimited money on elections. The ruling is the law of land unless the high court reverses itself or the states and Congress agree to amend the constitution — both very high bars in the current political climate.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Honolulu Civil Beat.
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