Committee approves memorial urging Congress to restore states’ authority over campaign finance

Sponsor described Senate Concurrent Memorial 1003 as a postcard to Congress urging federal action to reaffirm state authority on election processes and campaign finance. Nick Ponder of America of Promise and Jane Anderson of Mormon Women for Ethical Government testified in support, arguing that court decisions have eroded states’ ability to regulate campaign finance and that a constitutional amendment could restore state authority.

Testimony included comparative spending examples and public-opinion figures offered by witnesses to illustrate concern about outside influence in elections. The chair also made extended remarks characterizing the problem of out-of-state and international money in politics and referenced ongoing research; the chair's comments included a claimed research figure of "in excess of $5,000,000,000,000" alleged to represent money-laundering activity related to political finance. That figure was presented by the chair as part of his commentary and was not independently verified during the hearing.

After brief member explanations and discussion, the committee moved SCM1003 and gave it a due-pass recommendation by voice and roll call, with a 7–0 vote.

Next steps: SCM1003 will be transmitted by the secretary of state to congressional leaders as described in the memorial text.