Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR98

Introduced
3/16/26  

Caption

Urging The United States Congress To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments That Impose Fiscal Restraints On The Federal Government, Limit The Power And Jurisdiction Of The Federal Government, And Limit The Terms Of Office For Its Officials And Members Of Congress.

Impact

The resolution underscores a significant perspective among state lawmakers about state sovereignty and the balance of power between state and federal governments. Advocates argue that amendments are necessary to restore accountability and responsiveness to the citizens at the state level, especially in the context of rising national debt and federal overreach through mandates. The resolution suggests that a convention of the states could be an essential mechanism for initiating these constitutional reforms.

Summary

SCR98 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii urging the United States Congress to call a convention for proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The proposed amendments would focus on imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government, limiting its power and jurisdiction, and establishing term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution reflects concerns regarding the increasing concentration of power at the federal level and the perceived lack of accountability of federal officials who are not elected by the public.

Conclusion

SCR98 represents a call for a significant political movement aimed at reshaping the federal relationship and enhancing state control over laws and regulations. As more states consider similar resolutions, the potential for a nationwide dialogue on the balance of power could gain momentum, prompting legislators and citizens alike to engage with fundamental questions about governance, accountability, and the future of federalism in America.

Contention

There are noteworthy points of contention surrounding the proposed amendment convention. Critics often express concern over the process of convening states to propose amendments, fearing that it may lead to unintended changes to the Constitution, including potential alterations to crucial rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. The resolution explicitly states that any discussions regarding amending the Bill of Rights would not be permitted at the convention, aiming to address these concerns. However, skeptics question the feasibility of keeping such a convention limited in scope and worry about the implications of opening the Constitution to any amendments.

Companion Bills

HI HCR80

Same As Urging The United States Congress To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments That Impose Fiscal Restraints On The Federal Government, Limit The Power And Jurisdiction Of The Federal Government, And Limit The Terms Of Office For Its Officials And Members Of Congress.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR34

Urging The United States Congress To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments That Impose Fiscal Restraints On The Federal Government, Limit The Power And Jurisdiction Of The Federal Government, And Limit The Terms Of Office For Its Officials And Members Of Congress.

HI SCR140

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

HI SR158

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

HI SCR99

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.

HI SR81

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.

HI HR168

Urging The United States Congress To Enact Legislation To Exempt Residents Of Hawaii From The Federal Income Tax.

HI HB570

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish Term Limits For Legislators.

HI SB1594

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Establish Legislative Term Limits.

HI HB495

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Establish Legislative Term Limits.

HI HB298

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish Term Limits For Legislators.

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