SJR 2004 (LSB 5726XS (3) 91)

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 2004

BY  WAHLS and SIRES

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to corporate participation in the political process.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  The following amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa is proposed:
   Article VIII of the Constitution of the State of Iowa is amended by adding the following new section:
   Sec. 1A.  Political activity.  The people do not intend, and have never intended, the powers and privileges of corporations to include participation in election activity, ballot-issue activity, or financial donations to political candidates or political committees. Powers and privileges related to election activity or ballot-issue activity are not necessary or convenient for regular corporate purposes. Corporations shall not contribute financially or otherwise participate in election activity or ballot-issue activity. This section shall not be construed to prohibit a corporation formed to engage in the creation, sale, or operation of election equipment from engaging in that business.
    Sec. 2.
  REFERRAL AND PUBLICATION.
  The foregoing proposed amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa is referred to the general assembly to be chosen at the next general election for members of the general assembly, and shall be published as provided by law for three months previous to the date of that election.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the participation of corporations in the political process. The amendment prohibits corporations from contributing financially or otherwise participating in election activity or ballot-issue activity. The amendment does not prohibit a corporation formed to engage in the creation, sale, or operation of election equipment from engaging in that business.
   The resolution, if adopted, would be published and then referred to the next general assembly (92nd) for adoption, before being submitted to the electorate for ratification.