Last week, bicameral legislation was introduced in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC. In the 2010 decision, the Court ruled that government restrictions on political expenditures by corporations, labor unions, and other associations are a violation of the First Amendment. Michigan is joining 13 other states in introducing similar legislation with the same intent in response to the ruling.
Key Points:
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- Senate Bills 1085-1087 and Senate Joint Resolution L were introduced by Senator Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo).
- House Bills 6216-6218 and House Joint Resolution Z were introduced by Representative Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City).
- The proposal would regulate corporate spending in Michigan’s elections.
- It explicitly states that corporations, non-profits, and limited liability companies cannot pay, contribute, or expend money or anything of value in support of or opposition to a candidate, political party, political committee, or ballot questions.
- The joint resolutions propose codifying this change in the Michigan Constitution.
Next Steps:
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- The Senate legislation was referred to the Senate Elections and Ethics Committee for consideration.
- The House legislation was referred to the House Election Integrity Committee for consideration.
