THE IMPLICATIONS OF CITIZENS UNITED V. FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION ON TEXAS CORPORATE ELECTION LAWS

Lynette M. Boggs, St. Mary's University School of Law

Abstract

This Comment provides an historical overview of key federal election laws, culminating in the holding of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, to establish the context and framework that may now conflict with current Texas election laws governing the roles of corporations and labor unions in state elections. It provides an analysis of the specific Texas statutes that are likely unconstitutional based on Citizens United and suggests legislative remedies the Texas Legislature, as well as the legislatures of other states, may consider in revising election laws to withstand future First Amendment challenges in light of the Citizens United holding.