Hawaii Corporate Political Donation Ban Draws Challenge

Free-speech advocates are trying to overturn a new Hawaii law intended to stop corporations from having an outsize influence on elections and undo the effects of Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission in the state.

The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii alleges the provision—known as Act 11—violates the First Amendment. The measure amends laws setting out the powers of “artificial persons” to eliminate their ability to engage in “ballot-issue” or “election” activity, such as paying, contributing, or spending money to support of oppose a political issue, candidate, or party, says the complaint, filed June 5 in the US District Court for ...