OPENING THE RECORD
OPENING THE RECORD
H.J.RES. 54 · 119TH CONGRESS
This proposes a constitutional amendment. A congressional proposal requires two-thirds of both chambers and ratification by three-fourths of the states. It does not require the president’s signature. Read the amendment process.
CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment providing that the rights protected and extended by the Constitution are the rights of natural persons only. Artificial entities, such as corporations, shall have no rights under the Constitution and are subject to regulation.
The amendment requires federal, state, and local governments to (1) regulate, limit, or prohibit election contributions and expenditures, including a candidate's own contributions and expenditures, to ensure equal access of citizens to the political process, regardless of economic status; and (2) require that any permissible contributions and expenditures be publicly disclosed.
Additionally, the judiciary is prohibited from construing the spending of money to influence elections to be speech under the First Amendment.
Written by the Congressional Research Service for this version of the bill. Later versions may differ. Read at Congress.gov.