Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) on July 20 introduced a constitutional amendment to overturn the Citizens United decision that would also increase regulation of campaign contributions and spending.

In 2010, the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision struck down decades of restrictions on corporate campaign spending and allowed corporations to spend unlimited funds to run campaign advertisements.

“The Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United overturned decades of legal precedent,” Schiff said. “The regulatory process is at a standstill as we watch billions of dark money pour into elections. While amending the Constitution is an extraordinary step, in this case the damage to our democratic process by unrestrained and anonymous spending by wealthy individuals and corporations requires it.”

According to the congressman’s office, the amendment makes it clear that the Constitution does not restrict the ability of Congress or the states to propose reasonable content-neutral limitations on campaign contributions and independent expenditures.

The amendment also allows (although it does not require) public financing of campaigns when states choose to enact such laws.

Last November, California voters passed Proposition 59, a ballot measure that called on California’s elected officials to work toward overturning Citizens United, and increasing regulation of campaign contributions and spending.

Local elections, such as the March 7 LAUSD School Board District 4 race, have drawn criticism for the money they’ve generated.

For information, visit schiff.house.gov.