Iowa Senate Bill SJR2

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Filed/Introduced: 1/30/25
• Introduced: 1/23/25
• Refer: 1/23/25

Caption

A joint resolution calling for an Article V convention in order to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the number of terms that a person may serve in Congress.

Summary

SJR 2 is a joint resolution by the Iowa General Assembly applying to Congress for an Article V constitutional convention. The convention would be limited to proposing amendments on three subjects only: imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government, limiting the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limiting the number of terms federal officials and members of Congress may serve. The resolution states that no amendments on other topics may be considered. The resolution also declares Iowa’s application to be a continuing one until two-thirds of the states make similar applications or the General Assembly withdraws it. If adopted, the Secretary of State must send certified copies of the resolution to federal congressional leaders and to the presiding officers of each state legislature. The bill does not directly change Iowa statutory law or create new regulatory requirements; instead, it is an interstate and federal constitutional action intended to pressure or enable constitutional amendments at the national level.

Impact

SJR 2 would not amend the Iowa Code or regulate private conduct directly. Its legal effect would be to place Iowa on record as formally requesting Congress to call an Article V convention and to define the scope of that convention as limited to fiscal restraints, federal power limits, and congressional term limits. The resolution would also create a continuing application mechanism and require official transmission to federal and state legislative leaders, making it part of the broader state-led effort to trigger a constitutional convention under Article V.

Sentiment

The available context suggests generally favorable sentiment in committee, as the bill’s last recorded action is that a subcommittee recommended passage. The bill text itself frames the measure as a defense of state sovereignty, fiscal responsibility, and constitutional limits on federal power, indicating strong support among proponents for those themes. No recorded votes or committee debate were provided, so there is no evidence in the supplied materials of organized opposition within the documented proceedings.

Contention

The main points of contention are likely the use of an Article V convention and the risks associated with opening the U.S. Constitution to amendment through that process. Supporters appear to favor the resolution as a way to impose fiscal discipline, curb federal overreach, and enact term limits, while critics of similar measures often worry that a convention could exceed its stated scope or create broader constitutional changes. The resolution attempts to address that concern by expressly limiting the convention’s subject matter to the three listed topics and by stating that no other amendments may be considered.