The Supreme Court today overturned some elements of the campaign finance laws in Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission. You might recall this issue arose in 2008 with a film about Hillary Clinton. The 183 page opinion includes four addition opinions concurring and dissenting. The ruling concerns 2 UCS 441(b), contributions by banks, corporations and unions. The decision removes limits on independent expenditures that are not coordinated with candidates' campaigns. It leaves in place a prohibition on direct contributions to candidates from corporations and unions. Disclaimer and disclosure requirements were held to be valid restrictions. For an brief history and analysis from Nina Totenberg, listen here.
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This could mean our own statute, chapter 55 section 8 is unenforceable.
