Massachusetts Legislature Asks Congress to Pass Constitutional Amendment Overturning Citizens United

The Massachusetts General Court petitions the U.S. Congress to pass and submit to the states a constitutional amendment that would allow federal and state governments to regulate and limit political campaign contributions and expenditures, and to distinguish natural persons from corporations and other entities.

The measure places the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on record in support of altering federal election law and campaign spending limits, though it creates no new state-level mandates or appropriations.

• ›Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission is a landmark 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision holding that corporate funding of independent political broadcasts in candidate elections cannot be limited under the First Amendment. context
• ›In 2018, Massachusetts voters approved Ballot Question 2, establishing a citizens commission to advance a constitutional amendment regarding corporate spending and political contributions. context