Photo by Colin Watts on Unsplash

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH -- Utah Senate Majority Leader Kirk Cullimore last week introduced a resolution in support of a constitutional amendment designed to restore states' authority to regulate campaign finance laws. 

“With the increasing threat of foreign money and centralized control over election rules, it is time for Utah to assert its commitment to federalism and the integrity of our republic,” he said. 

“This resolution affirms Utah’s support for an amendment that empowers states like Utah to claim their rightful role in ensuring campaign finance laws reflect Utah values and not D.C.”

Cullimore's proposal is in line with an amendment to the US Constitution known as the For Our Freedom Amendment. It is supported by American Promise, which released a report called "The Problem of Foreign Money in Politics."

In it, the nonprofit explains how foreign actors have increasingly found ways to exploit gaps in the campaign finance system, including funneling money into elections through dark money networks and foreign-funded organizations.

The proposed amendment serves two main functions. The first is to restore state sovereignty. Specifically, it allows states to determine how best to regulate campaign contributions and spending.

An example of states taking matters into their own hands is Question 1 in Maine, which imposes a $5,000 limit on contributions to Super PACs. Voters approved it in 2024, but the initiative is already being challenged.

The For Our Freedom Amendment aims to allow states to make these decisions without the threat of them being overturned in the courts.

The second thing the amendment does is ensure Congress and states have the full authority to address the flow of foreign money and influence in US elections how they see fit. 

In its report, American Promise emphasized how the current system leaves a backdoor open for foreign adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran to funnel cash through dark money networks in order to bypass disclosure laws.

“Federalism is at the heart of this amendment,” Cullimore said.

“Utah knows best how to protect its citizens from undue influence. This resolution strengthens our state’s ability to safeguard against threats from both domestic and foreign sources.”

He added that Utah voters "overwhelmingly support taking action against the corrosive effects of dark money in politics and foreign interference in our elections."

Cullimore's resolution will be considered during Utah's 2025 legislative session. It emphasizes the need to empower states like Utah to regulate campaign contributions and spending in a way that reflects the local values.