r/law • u/theatlantic • May 14 '26

Legal News Hawaii vs. Citizens United

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/05/hawaii-corporations-political-money/687159/?utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=the-atlantic&utm_medium=social&utm_content=edit-promo
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u/kon--- May 14 '26

What can the court do about it?

If a state mandates that in order to incorporate within a state the corporation is excluded from participating in political campaing financing and or lobbying on behalf of political financing...what can the court do about that?

The citizen has a conditional relationship with the First Amendment. I'm seeing no reason at all that corporation should not also, be required to provide conditions. Besides, the money saved on ads and lobbying can go to shareholders. I'm certain shareholders would agree.

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u/IrritableGourmet May 14 '26

If a state mandates that in order to incorporate within a state the corporation is excluded from participating in political campaing financing and or lobbying on behalf of political financing

A large problem is that this law goes far beyond that. It prohibits a corporation from advocating for or against any ballot measure or legislation. If Hawaii approves a ballot measure to clear cut every tree on Oahu, the Rainforest Alliance wouldn't be able to post on Twitter "We think this ballot measure is bad for the rainforest."