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Bill

Bill

SD 1991

Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to campaign finance reform

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Mark

Constitutional amendment authorizing Massachusetts to regulate and limit campaign contributions and spending in elections, expanding legislative authority over political fundraising.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 1991

Legislative bill overview

SD 1991 proposes a constitutional amendment in Massachusetts that would authorize the state legislature to regulate and limit campaign contributions and spending in elections. The amendment would explicitly allow lawmakers to set restrictions on money in politics that might otherwise be protected as free speech under existing constitutional interpretations. This follows the framework established by federal proposals seeking to overturn or work around Citizens United v. FEC.

Why is this important

Campaign finance rules directly affect who can afford to run for office and which candidates receive funding from wealthy donors versus grassroots supporters. Massachusetts voters and policymakers have expressed concern that unlimited spending creates disparities in political influence. A successful constitutional amendment would give the state clear authority to reshape its campaign finance laws without legal challenges based on free speech protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Free speech concerns: Critics argue that money in politics is constitutionally protected political speech, and that limiting it infringes on First Amendment rights regardless of constitutional amendments
  • Enforcement complexity: Defining what counts as regulated spending (direct contributions, independent expenditures, dark money groups) and enforcing limits across multiple entities creates practical and legal challenges
  • Competitive disadvantage: Some argue that restrictions could handicap challengers against well-funded incumbents or limit grassroots fundraising ability for smaller campaigns

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

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