HONOLULU - Hawaii's Democratic governor signed a pioneering bill into law on Thursday, aiming to diminish the sway of corporations and elusive "dark money" organizations over politics. These groups have flooded elections with unlimited funds since the U.S. Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision.

Set to activate on July 1, 2027, the legislation redefines corporations to prohibit their involvement in election spending. In Montana, a dedicated volunteer initiative is currently collecting signatures to advance a parallel measure for voter consideration this November.

The Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission ruling invalidated restrictions on corporate and union spending in elections, provided no direct contributions are made to campaigns. It originated from a conservative nonprofit's push to air TV ads for its film criticizing Hillary Clinton during her 2008 presidential bid.

This decision has aided both major parties. According to the campaign finance monitor OpenSecrets, outside spending in the 2024 federal elections exceeded $4 billion - nearly 12 times the amount seen in 2008.

Significant portions stemmed from dark money entities that shield donor identities. The Brennan Center for Justice reported a staggering $1.9 billion in such undisclosed spending during the 2024 cycle, with similar influences appearing in state contests.

Hawaii's Attorney General Anne Lopez, a Democrat, and her office resisted the bill, citing challenges and expenses in potential court battles.

"Hawaii is taking a brave and bold step to get corporate and dark money out of America’s politics," declared Tom Moore, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, the organization behind the law's legal framework. "It will send a powerful message that will be heard loud and clear across the Pacific and across the mainland."