Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2311

Introduced
2/5/24  

Caption

A bill for an act concerning persons appointed to a convention called by the United States Congress to propose amendments to the United States Constitution, and providing penalties.(Formerly HF 336, HF 34.)

Impact

The proposed legislation introduces legal repercussions for any commissioner or interim commissioner who exceeds their defined authority. Violating these guidelines could result in prosecution as a class D felony, which carries significant penalties, including potential imprisonment for up to five years and substantial fines. This facet of the bill emphasizes the importance of adherence to the set protocol and highlights the state's effort to maintain a structured approach towards its representatives at constitutional conventions.

Summary

House File 2311 focuses on the appointment of individuals to represent the state of Iowa at a constitutional convention called by the U.S. Congress to propose amendments to the Constitution. The bill delineates the definition and scope of authority for those appointed as 'commissioners' and 'interim commissioners.' It aims to ensure these representatives operate strictly within the boundaries set forth by a resolution or other measures adopted by the general assembly, detailing their roles and responsibilities during the convention.

Contention

A significant point of contention surrounding HF2311 lies in the legal ramifications imposed on not just the commissioners but also on individuals who may interfere with their duties. For instance, the bill stipulates that actions such as bribery or intimidation towards these individuals are punishable as a class D felony, reflecting a serious stance on maintaining the integrity of the convention process. Critics may argue that imposing such strict penalties could deter individuals from participating in the democratic process, while supporters assert that it is necessary to protect the commissioners from external pressures and to uphold the legislative framework effectively.

Companion Bills

IA HF34

Similar To A bill for an act concerning persons appointed to a convention called by the United States Congress to propose amendments to the United States Constitution, providing a penalty, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 336, HF 2311.)

IA HF336

Similar To A bill for an act concerning persons appointed to a convention called by the United States Congress to propose amendments to the United States Constitution, providing a penalty, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly HF 34; See HF 2311.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF654

A bill for an act concerning persons appointed to a convention called by the United States Congress to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States, making appropriations, and providing penalties.(Formerly HF 438.)

IA SF350

A bill for an act concerning persons appointed to a convention called by the United States Congress to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States, making appropriations, and providing penalties.

IA HF438

A bill for an act concerning persons appointed to a convention called by the United States Congress to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States, making appropriations, and providing penalties.(See HF 654.)

IA SR158

Applying To The United States Congress To Call An Article V Convention To Propose Certain Limited Amendments To The United States Constitution.

IA SCR140

Applying To The United States Congress To Call An Article V Convention To Propose Certain Limited Amendments To The United States Constitution.

IA HJR5002

Applying to the United States Congress under Article V of the United States Constitution to call for a convention for proposing an amendment to the constitution establishing congressional term limits.

IA H5385

JOINT RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING A CONVENTION OF THE STATES UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION (Petitions congress to call a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution to impose restraints on the federal government.)

IA H7009

JOINT RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING A CONVENTION OF THE STATES UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION (Petitions congress to call a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution to impose restraints on the federal government.)

IA S2724

JOINT RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING A CONVENTION OF THE STATES UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION (Petitions congress to call a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution to impose restraints on the federal government.)

IA HJR1004

Applying To The United States Congress For An Article V Convention Of The States For The Purpose Of Proposing An Amendment To The United States Constitution To Impose Term Limits Of Members For The United States Congress.

Similar Bills

AL HB443

Article V Convention; process for appointing commissioners and alternate commissioners to represent the State of Alabama at Article V Convention established

CT SJ00039

Resolution Confirming The Decision Of The Claims Commissioner To Dismiss Certain Claims Against The State.

TN HB1499

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3, Chapter 18, relative to Article V conventions.

TN SB1567

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3, Chapter 18, relative to Article V conventions.

CT SJ00058

Resolution Confirming The Decision Of The Claims Commissioner To Dismiss Certain Claims Against The State.

CA AB1936

Insurance Commissioner qualifications.

MI HCR0002

A concurrent resolution prescribing the Rules of the Legislature for Selecting Commissioners to an Article V Convention.

CA AB1931

Insurance: home protection companies.