Amendment would let Congress and states limit election spending

Congress and states could set reasonable limits on raising and spending money to influence elections. The authority would cover candidates and others raising or spending money to influence elections. Limits would have to treat political viewpoints equally. The amendment would not grant power to restrict freedom of the press. The amendment would take effect only if three-fourths of state legislatures ratified it within seven years after submission to the states.

Congress and states could prohibit corporations and other legally created organizations from spending money to influence elections. Lawmakers could distinguish individual people from corporations and other organizations created by law. Any ban would require implementing legislation. The amendment would not grant power to restrict freedom of the press. This authority would depend on ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years after submission.

Congress and states could establish and regulate public campaign funding systems. Systems could increase public funding to offset money candidates and others raise and spend to influence elections. The amendment would authorize these systems without requiring lawmakers to establish them or provide funding. This authority would depend on ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years after submission.