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H 3842

Resolutions for a United States constitutional amendment and a limited amendment proposing convention

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jamie Eldridge and 6 co-sponsors

Bill H 3842 seeks a convention to propose amendments ensuring only individuals have constitutional rights and limits on political contributions to enhance election integrity.

Accompanied a study order, see H5422 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 3842

Summary of Bill H 3842: Resolutions for a United States Constitutional Amendment and a Limited Amendment Proposing Convention

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 3842, introduced on February 27, 2025, by Representatives Carmine Lawrence Gentile and David T. Vieira, seeks to address concerns regarding the integrity of elections and the influence of money in politics. The bill calls for a resolution to petition the United States Congress to convene a convention for proposing amendments to the Constitution. This initiative is driven by the belief that the current political landscape has been unduly influenced by corporate spending in elections, particularly following the Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines several significant provisions:

  1. Call for a Convention: It requests Congress to call a convention to propose amendments aimed at:

    • Affirming that constitutional rights are reserved for natural persons (individuals) only.
    • Allowing Congress and states to impose limits on political contributions and expenditures to ensure equitable access to the political process.

  2. Delegate Selection: The resolution specifies that delegates to the convention should be selected from currently elected state and local officials or through elections in each Congressional district. Importantly, individuals who have held federal office are prohibited from serving as delegates.

  3. Continuing Application: The bill establishes that Massachusetts' application for a convention is ongoing and should be considered alongside similar applications from other states until two-thirds of the states have applied.

  4. Timeline for Action: If Congress does not propose the requested constitutional amendment within six months of the bill's passage, Massachusetts will formally petition for a limited convention to address the specified issues.

  5. Limitations on Scope: The petition emphasizes that the convention's scope should be limited to the issues raised by Massachusetts, particularly those related to campaign finance and corporate influence in elections.

Affected Parties

The resolution primarily impacts:
- Voters and Citizens: Aims to enhance the integrity of elections and ensure that all citizens can participate effectively in self-governance.
- Corporations: Seeks to limit the influence of corporate money in politics, challenging the notion that corporations have the same rights as individuals under the Constitution.
- State Legislatures: Encourages collaboration among states to address these constitutional concerns.

Procedural Aspects

  • Hearing Schedule: The hearing for this bill has been rescheduled to November 13, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:50 PM.
  • Legislative Journey: The bill was referred to the committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs and has received concurrence from the Senate.

Conclusion

Bill H 3842 represents a significant effort by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to initiate a constitutional amendment process aimed at reforming campaign finance laws and reinforcing the principle of self-governance. By addressing the influence of money in politics, the bill seeks to restore the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that the rights of individuals are prioritized over those of corporations.

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

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