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Bill

HR 324

A resolution to call upon the United States Congress to propose and send to the states for ratification a constitutional amendment to clarify that the states and Congress may set reasonable limits on the spending of money to influence elections, including distinctions between natural persons and artificial entities.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Alexander and 18 co-sponsors

Calls for a constitutional amendment allowing Congress and states to set reasonable, distinguishable limits on election spending by individuals vs. entities (e.g., corporations, un

referred to Committee on Government Operations
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 324

Overview

  • Bill: HR 324 (Michigan House of Representatives)
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Purpose: A resolution urging the United States Congress to propose and send to the states for ratification a constitutional amendment clarifying that both states and Congress may impose reasonable limits on money spent to influence elections, with distinctions between natural persons and artificial entities (e.g., corporations, unions, and artificial intelligence).

Main Purpose and Intent

  • The sponsors seek a constitutional amendment that would authorize both Congress and the states to set reasonable spending limits on political spending intended to influence elections.
  • The amendment would explicitly allow distinctions in spending rules between natural persons and artificial entities, aiming to curb the influence of money in elections while preserving free speech rights.

Key Provisions

  • Call for Federal Action:
    • Urges the U.S. Congress to propose and transmit to the states for ratification a constitutional amendment.
  • Scope of Limits:
    • Permits reasonable limits on money spent to influence both state and federal elections.
  • Distinctions by Entity:
    • Authorizes distinguishing limits between natural persons and artificial entities, such as corporations, unions, and artificial intelligence.
  • Federalism and Self-Governance Rationale:
    • Argues that limits protect political equality, prevent undue influence by wealthy interests, and preserve republican self-government.
  • Communicative Section:
    • Directs that copies of the resolution be transmitted to key Congressional leaders and Michigan’s congressional delegation.

Who Is Affected

  • Federal Level:
    • U.S. Congress would be empowered to propose limits on spending for federal elections, subject to ratification.
  • State Level:
    • States would be empowered to set reasonable limits on money spent to influence state elections once a constitutional amendment is ratified.
  • Entities Potentially Impacted:
    • Natural persons (individuals) would be subject to different or separate limits than artificial entities (corporations, unions, and AI-related entities).
  • Michigan Stakeholders:
    • Michigan residents, candidates, political committees, parties, corporations, unions, and other entities involved in election-related spending.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Status:
    • Introduced and referred to the Committee on Government Operations (as of the action history).
  • Next Steps (for the bill itself, not the federal action):
    • The Michigan House would need to advance the resolution through committee and the full chamber.
    • If adopted, the resolution sends a formal message urging federal action; it does not itself amend the U.S. Constitution.
  • Federal Action Path (external to this resolution):
    • The U.S. Congress would need to propose an amendment and transmit it to the states for ratification.
    • Ratification would require the necessary number of states under Article V of the U.S. Constitution.

Notable Details

  • The resolution frames spending limits as a means to protect free speech by ensuring meaningful participation and avoiding corruption or outsized influence.
  • Explicitly mentions the potential to distinguish between natural persons and artificial entities, including technology-driven entities like artificial intelligence.

Summary

HR 324 is a Michigan House resolution calling on Congress to propose and send to the states for ratification a constitutional amendment that would authorize reasonable limits on election-related spending by both states and Congress, with the ability to differentiate limits for individuals versus artificial entities (e.g., corporations, unions, AI). It argues such limits would bolster political equality, reduce corruption risks, and preserve federalism, while preserving free speech for participants in the democratic process. The measure is currently in committee and would require federal action and eventual state ratification to take effect.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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