Hawai‘i Moves to Ban Corporate Political Spending by Law – Similar to Our Efforts in Montana

Hawai‘i is advancing Senate Bill 2471 to strip corporations of political spending rights.

The Hawai‘i Legislature, led by State Reps Della Au Belatti and K. Kanani Souza, is pursuing a legal approach to bar corporate money in politics by rewriting the state’s corporate code. This move challenges the structural premise set by the Citizens United decision, which allowed corporations to spend freely based on state-granted powers.

SB 2471 targets the Hawaii Revised Statutes Title 23, Chapter 414, intending to remove political spending from the broad corporate powers currently recognized under state law. The bill does not restrict corporate speech but focuses solely on limiting financial influence in elections. Supported by the state’s authority to amend corporate powers at any time, the legislation is advancing through House and Senate committees. Legislation along these lines has been introduced in 14 states, and Montana citizen activists are gathering signatures to bring a similar measure to voters this fall.

The bill’s proponents urge the House to pass SB 2471 and for the Consumer Protection and Judiciary chairs on both chambers to collaborate to advance the bill.

While Hawai‘i’s legislation is unique in its specifics, Montana’s parallel effort reflects a growing trend among states to reconsider corporate influence in politics. Montana businesses and residents should watch these developments closely, as they could influence discussions about corporate powers and political spending in other states, as well as influence Montana’s own fight against corporate special interest.

Hawai‘i Might Just Slay Citizens United — And You Can Help
By Della Au Belatti, K. Kanani Souza, Honolulu Civil Beat