New rules in Hawaii and Montana aim to change how companies influence elections

Two states are testing a fresh approach to reduce corporate and hidden money in politics. Hawaii’s legislature just passed a bill that would stop corporations from spending on elections by legally redefining what a corporation can do. At the same time, volunteers in Montana are pushing a ballot measure called The Montana Plan to let voters decide the same issue in November. The push comes from frustration with the 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United, which allowed unlimited corporate and union spending in elections. Since then, outside spending in federal races has skyrocketed—from about $350 million in 2008 to over $4 billion in 2024. Much of that comes from “dark money” groups that don’t have to reveal their donors. Even state races haven’t escaped this trend.Supporters argue that voters are tired of corporate influence and want a way to push back. The idea is to treat corporations differently in law—letting them lobby but not fund campaigns. Tom Moore, a former election lawyer, calls this a “genuine new approach” based on basic corporate rules. But critics say it’s just a legal trick that won’t survive court challenges. Hawaii’s governor hasn’t decided whether to sign the bill yet. If he does, the law could face immediate legal battles. Montana’s effort faces hurdles too—even after courts allowed it to move forward. Both states know the real test will be in the Supreme Court, which has the final say on election rules.