Amendment sought to cap corporate election donations

HELENA – A Democratic lawmaker on Thursday called for Montana to support a convention to amend the U.S. Constitution to limit corporate donations in election campaigns.

Rep. Ellie Hill of Missoula introduced House Joint Resolution 3 in the State Administration Committee. Committee members did not take immediate action.

“I believe the corporate buyout of our elections is the reason to do it,” she said of a constitutional amendment that calls for free and fair elections.

It takes 34 states to trigger a convention. Thirty-eight states would then have to approve a change for the amendment to be put into effect.

Hill said passing the resolution might not lead to a convention if it prompts Congress to act.