SF 2517

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 03/21/2025 09:20 a.m.

A resolution
memorializing Congress to propose the For Our Freedom Amendment

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Constitution recognizes that "all political power is inherent" in
the People, and that we may "modify or reform government whenever required by the public good";
and

WHEREAS, the People of Minnesota have compelling sovereign interests in fostering robust
political debate and self-government, protecting the free speech interests of all individuals, securing
the liberty and political equality of our citizens, guarding against corruption, and advancing
federalism and the interests of the several States; and

WHEREAS, Section 9 of Article VII of the Minnesota Constitution recognizes the public's
compelling interest in campaign spending limits, providing that "the amount that may be spent by
candidates for constitutional and legislative offices to campaign for nomination or election shall
be limited by law. The legislature shall provide by law for disclosure of contributions and
expenditures made to support or oppose candidates for state elective offices"; and

WHEREAS, reasonable limits on how money is used to influence the outcomes of elections
may be wise (1) to secure the interests of all citizens of our State to be represented and participate
in elections and self-government; (2) to protect the integrity of elections and government against
out-of-state and foreign interests and undue influence of wealthy special interests, whether of
corporations, unions, or other artificial entities; and (3) to ensure that elected representatives are
aligned with the interests of actual constituents; and

WHEREAS, over the past five decades, the Supreme Court has gradually come to equate
unlimited election spending with "free speech," contrary to the original public meaning of the First
Amendment. This unlimited spending is drowning out the free speech interests of actual constituents,
narrowing debate, weakening federalism and self-governance in the States, and increasing the risk
of systemic corruption; and

WHEREAS, the Framers wisely granted the States the power to amend the United States
Constitution when necessary to make the Constitution, and our Union, ever more perfect and to
protect and preserve self-government and liberty; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED that the legislature of the State of Minnesota hereby calls upon the United
States Congress to propose and send to the States for ratification a Constitutional amendment to
clarify that the States and Congress, within their respective jurisdictions, may set reasonable limits
on the spending of money to influence elections, and that in so doing the States and Congress may
distinguish between natural persons and artificial entities, such as corporations, unions, and artificial
intelligences; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota is directed
to prepare an enrolled copy of this resolution, to be authenticated by his signature, and transmit it
to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the United
States House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, the Minority
Leader of the United States Senate, and to each member of the Minnesota Congressional delegation.