ARTICLE V CONVENTION – States findings of the Legislature and requests that Congress call a convention for proposing amendments under Article V of the Constitution of the United States.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 25 is a nonbinding legislative application asking Congress to call a convention of the states under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The proposed convention would be limited to drafting a federal balanced budget amendment, or a similar fiscal restraint amendment, that would prohibit Congress from spending more in a fiscal year than it estimates in federal revenues, except in the case of a national emergency.
The resolution states Idaho’s findings that federal debt has become dangerously large and that a balanced federal budget amendment is necessary for the public good. It also declares the application to be a continuing one until two-thirds of the states apply on the same subject or until December 31, 2033, whichever comes first, and it supersedes prior Idaho applications on the same topic. The resolution directs that copies be sent to federal officials and to the legislatures of the other states to encourage similar action.
Impact
HCR025 does not directly amend Idaho statutes or create enforceable state-law requirements; instead, it is an Article V application urging Congress to convene a convention of the states. Its practical effect is political and procedural, adding Idaho to efforts seeking a balanced budget amendment and signaling support for federal fiscal restraints. If enough states adopt similar applications, it could contribute to the threshold needed for Congress to call a convention, though the resolution itself has no immediate regulatory effect on Idaho residents or agencies.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment reflected in the bill text and vote is supportive of fiscal restraint and skepticism about federal debt and spending. The resolution passed the House third reading by a narrow margin, 34-33, suggesting substantial support but also significant opposition. The absence of committee transcript discussion limits insight into detailed arguments, but the close vote indicates the measure was politically divisive rather than broadly consensus-driven.
Contention
The main point of contention is the use of an Article V convention, which some lawmakers may view as a risky or uncertain method for advancing a balanced budget amendment. Supporters emphasize the need to constrain federal spending and address national debt, while opponents are likely concerned about the scope, consequences, and constitutional uncertainty of opening a convention for amendments. The narrow House vote suggests disagreement both over the balanced budget goal itself and over whether a convention is the appropriate mechanism to pursue it.
States findings of the Legislature and makes three separate applications to the United States Congress to call a convention of the states under Article V of the Constitution of the United States.
States findings of the Legislature and establishes provisions regarding Commissioners representing the State of Idaho at an Article V Convention of the States.
States findings of the Legislature and proposes an amendment to the Idaho Constitution requiring a 2/3 vote of the Legislature to legalize certain illegal drugs.
States findings of the Legislature and calls upon the Supreme Court of the United States to reverse the decision in Obergefell v. Hodges and restore the natural definition of marriage, a union of one man and one woman.