Summary of HJRES 54

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HJRES 54

Title: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing that the rights protected and extended by the Constitution are the rights of natural persons only.

Status: Introduced in House

Introduced Date: February 12, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HJRES 54 aims to amend the United States Constitution to clarify that the rights and privileges protected by the Constitution are exclusively for natural persons—individual human beings—rather than artificial entities such as corporations or limited liability companies. The intent behind this amendment is to limit the constitutional rights of non-human entities and ensure that they are subject to regulation by the people through various levels of government.

Key Provisions

The proposed amendment includes the following significant provisions:

1. Rights of Natural Persons Only:

   • The amendment explicitly states that the rights and privileges protected by the Constitution are the rights of natural persons only.

2. Exclusion of Artificial Entities:

   • It specifies that artificial entities, including corporations and other business structures, do not possess rights under the Constitution.

3. Regulation by the People:

   • The amendment allows for the regulation of artificial entities by the people through federal, state, or local laws.
   • It clarifies that the privileges of these entities will be determined by legislative bodies rather than being considered inherent or inalienable rights.

Impact

If ratified, HJRES 54 would significantly alter the legal landscape regarding the rights of corporations and other artificial entities. Key impacts include:

• Corporate Regulation: Increased ability for governments to regulate corporate behavior without the concern of infringing on constitutional rights.
• Legal Precedents: This amendment could overturn or modify existing legal precedents that grant constitutional protections to corporations, such as those established in Citizens United v. FEC.
• Public Policy: It may influence public policy debates regarding corporate influence in politics, environmental regulations, and labor laws.

Procedural Aspects

• Committee Referral: Upon introduction, HJRES 54 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.
• Ratification Process: For the amendment to become part of the Constitution, it must be ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths (38 out of 50) of the states.

Conclusion

HJRES 54 represents a significant legislative effort to redefine the relationship between the Constitution and artificial entities. By proposing that only natural persons hold constitutional rights, the amendment seeks to reshape the regulatory framework governing corporations and similar entities in the United States.