Relative to applications for a federal constitutional convention.
Impact
The implication of SJR1 is significant as it represents a clear stance by the California Legislature against the notion of holding a constitutional convention. This move indicates a desire to prevent potential alterations to the Constitution that may arise from a convention, which some legislators perceive as a risk to fundamental rights and legal precedents established over the years. Rescinding these applications may also reflect concerns over the unpredictable nature of outcomes that could arise from a convention where diverse and potentially conflicting amendments could be proposed.
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution No. 1 (SJR1), authored by Senator Wiener, seeks to rescind all previous applications made by the California Legislature for the United States Congress to convene a federal constitutional convention. This resolution acts to nullify and supersede former applications that requested such a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the United States Constitution. The legislation was formally filed with the Secretary of State on September 10, 2025, as CHAPTER 174.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SJR1 appears to be overwhelmingly positive among its proponents, who view the resolution as a protective measure for the integrity of the Constitution. With the unanimous support illustrated by the voting history—68 yeas and 0 nays—it suggests that there is a strong consensus among legislators regarding the importance of safeguarding against a constitutional convention. Nonetheless, the topic itself opens up discussions about the role of state legislatures in influencing national constitutional law.
Contention
Despite the apparent lack of opposition in voting, there remains a latent contention regarding the broader implications of suggesting such a resolution. Critics of constitutional conventions often caution against the potential for unintended consequences, such as radical changes that could emerge from a convention process. The resolution to rescind applications may also serve to quiet fears among constituents and legal scholars who are wary of the potentially irrevocable changes that could reshape American governance.
JOINT RESOLUTION RESCINDING ALL PRIOR ARTICLE V CONVENTION APPLICATIONS (Cancels and nullifies all prior applications by the general assembly calling for a constitutional convention.)
JOINT RESOLUTION RESCINDING PREVIOUS ARTICLE V CONVENTION APPLICATIONS (Rescinds any prior applications to the United States Congress from the Rhode Island General Assembly to call for a convention to amend the United States Constitution.)
Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.
Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.
Write the Laws ActThis bill prohibits an act of Congress from containing any delegation of legislative powers, whether to any component within the legislative branch, the President or any other member of the executive branch, the judicial branch, any agency or quasi-public agency, any state or state instrumentality, or any other organization or individual.The Government Accountability Office must identify to Congress all statutes enacted before the date that is 90 days after this bill's enactment that contain any delegation of legislative power.Any act of Congress, presidential directive, adjudicative decision, rule, or regulation that is enacted 90 days or more after this bill's enactment and is noncompliant with this bill shall have no force or effect.
Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.