HI SB312

Proposes an amendment to Article I, Section 4 of the Hawaii Constitution to clarify that freedom of speech protections do not include the expenditure of money to influence elections.

Legislature finds that the 2010 Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission Supreme Court decision reversed campaign finance restrictions and allowed unlimited spending by corporations, special interest groups, and PACs on elections.

Legislature determines the Citizens United decision threatens democracy by enabling corporations to amass and spend extraordinary amounts on political messages with greater reach and influence than individual messages.

Notes that at least 20 states, including Hawaii in 2016, have passed legislation urging Congress to pass a constitutional amendment overturning Citizens United, but Congress has not acted.

Ballot question will ask voters whether Hawaii Constitution should be amended to prohibit money expenditures to influence elections as disapproval of the Citizens United decision.