Senator Mark Finchem has introduced SCM 1003, a concurrent memorial calling on Congress to begin the process of amending the U.S. Constitution to restore the authority of states to regulate and limit campaign finance.
The memorial argues that decades of federal court decisions have distorted the original meaning of the First Amendment by equating unlimited campaign spending with free speech, effectively stripping states of their ability to safeguard elections from corruption, disproportionate influence, and foreign money. SCM 1003 asserts that this judicial trend undermines federalism and weakens self-government by imposing a one-size-fits-all national rule on elections that were historically governed by the states.
Arizona’s Constitution explicitly recognizes the public’s right to know who is funding campaigns and affirms the Legislature’s duty to ensure transparency and accountability in elections. SCM 1003 builds on that principle by urging Congress to act as a proponent of a constitutional amendment that would reaffirm state authority over campaign finance and election influence.
From a conservative perspective, the measure is rooted in the Tenth Amendment and the idea that political power resides with the people — exercised most effectively through their states. Supporters argue that states are best positioned to reflect the values, priorities, and concerns of their own citizens and to guard against the growing influence of outside money that does not represent local interests.
If adopted, SCM 1003 would formally transmit Arizona’s request to Congress and its delegation, pressing for action to restore balance between free speech, election integrity, and state sovereignty.