Minnesota: Attacks Continue on Political Speech and Communication

Tomorrow, May 15, Senate File 2099 is scheduled to be considered in the Minnesota House of Representatives following its passage in the state Senate by a 37-23 vote last Friday.  This politically motivated measure comes on the heels of other legislation with similar intent, such as House File 1944 and Senate File 1915, aimed at suppressing political speech by membership organizations like the NRA.  As previously reported, language similar to these measures was defeated last week when added as an amendment to another bill.  It is critical that you contact your state Representative TODAY and urge him or her to oppose this misguided legislation in any and all forms.  SF 2099 is just another thinly veiled attempt to chill political speech and thwart the dissemination of important election-related information.

If passed and enacted into law, SF 2099 would impose oppressive restrictions that would prevent organizations like the NRA from participating in certain aspects of candidate activism and election advocacy.  These restrictions would go far beyond what the Supreme Court has ruled as constitutional and beyond the scope of federal regulations.  This legislation creates a high level of uncertainty for organizations who participate and communicate information relating to candidates and elections to individuals in Minnesota.

Subjecting organizations like the NRA to unduly burdensome campaign finance restrictions prevents individuals in Minnesota from receiving information about upcoming elections and candidate endorsements in their area.  The freedom and ability to communicate with members across Minnesota is something the NRA cares deeply about.  The NRA strongly opposes this attempt to inhibit fundamental First Amendment rights by limiting organizations who can disseminate candidate information to individuals.  Help protect our First Amendment rights to protect our Second Amendment freedoms.

Your immediate action is needed – please contact your state Representative TODAY and demand their opposition to SF 2099.  Click here to identify who represents you.  Contact information for your state Representative can be found here.