Hawaii Just Made Citizens United Irrelevant. Your State Could Be Next

Corporate Spending and Election Policy

The video argues that corporate spending in elections has helped wealthy interests shape policy, despite broad public support for measures such as a $15 minimum wage and lower insulin costs. It says the Citizens United ruling enabled corporations to spend unlimited money in elections, changing both campaigns and lawmakers’ incentives.

The Montana Plan

The proposed response is to use states’ authority over corporate charters to limit what corporations are empowered to do. Montana’s proposed “Montana Plan” would bar corporations from spending or contributing in elections. Rather than overturning the Supreme Court ruling, it would restrict corporate powers under state law, making Citizens United’s protection of corporate political spending ineffective within the state.

Montana’s earlier 1912 law restricted corporate election spending for about a century before it was struck down after Citizens United.

Similar Efforts and Legal Challenges

Hawaii has passed a similar law, the Sunshine Over Dark Money Act, by a 74–1 legislative vote. It is scheduled to take effect in 2027, though the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has sued. Montana’s proposal also faces threatened legal challenges.

Supporters argue that states have long had authority to define corporate powers and expect these laws to withstand scrutiny. The measures would not prevent wealthy individuals from spending in elections, but supporters say they would make it harder to conceal spending through corporate entities.

Other efforts to curb political spending include:

• Maine voters approved a limit on contributions to super PACs, though the measure is tied up in court.
• Michigan voters are due to consider restrictions on political donations from monopoly utilities and companies with large government contracts.
• Similar bills have been introduced in other states.

Advocates say the broader aim is to limit corporate influence while still allowing businesses to operate.

Presenters and Contributors

Liz, Liana Keesing, Racicot, Sam Guckenheimer, and Marlene.