A joint resolution applying to Congress to call a convention to propose an amendment to the Constitution of the United States
Summary
SF4651 is a Minnesota joint resolution applying to Congress under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to call a convention for proposing a federal constitutional amendment. The convention would be limited to one subject: establishing term limits for members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The resolution states the Legislature’s view that a citizen legislature is in the public interest and that congressional term limits would reduce the influence of special interests, encourage members to focus on policy rather than reelection, and bring in new ideas and perspectives.
The resolution also specifies that Minnesota’s application is to be treated as part of a broader set of state applications on the same subject, but not combined with applications on other topics. It declares itself a continuing application until two-thirds of the states have made similar applications, and directs the Secretary of State to send copies to federal officials and to the presiding officers of other state legislatures. As a joint resolution, it does not directly change Minnesota statutes; instead, it is an interstate application intended to trigger a federal constitutional convention process if enough states join.
The general sentiment reflected in the bill text is strongly supportive of congressional term limits and skeptical of entrenched political power. The stated rationale emphasizes democratic renewal, reduced special-interest influence, and improved legislative focus. No committee testimony or recorded votes are provided, so there is no additional evidence of opposition or amendment activity in the available materials.
The main point of contention inherent in the measure is the use of an Article V convention to pursue constitutional change, which can raise concerns about the scope and risks of a convention process even when limited to a single subject. Within the bill itself, the only substantive policy dispute is whether term limits for Congress are desirable; the authors clearly favor them, while any contrary views are not reflected in the provided record. The resolution’s attempt to aggregate only with similar term-limit applications also suggests an effort to limit the convention’s scope and avoid broader constitutional issues.
Impact
SF4651 would not amend Minnesota statutory law directly. Its legal effect is to make Minnesota’s formal application to Congress for an Article V convention limited to proposing a federal constitutional amendment imposing term limits on members of Congress. If enough states submit substantially similar applications, the resolution is intended to help trigger Congress’s duty to call a convention on that single subject. It also instructs the Secretary of State to distribute the resolution to federal and state officials, creating an official record of Minnesota’s position.
Sentiment
The bill’s tone is clearly pro-term limits and pro-reform. The findings emphasize citizen-legislature ideals, reducing special-interest influence, and encouraging new voices in Congress, indicating a favorable view of constitutional term limits. Because no committee discussion or vote history is included, the available record does not show organized opposition or bipartisan debate, only the bill’s affirmative framing.
Contention
The principal contention is procedural and constitutional rather than statutory: whether states should use an Article V convention to seek a congressional term-limits amendment, and whether such a convention can or should be tightly limited to that single subject. Supporters, as reflected in the resolution, argue that term limits would improve democratic governance and reduce special-interest influence. Potential critics would likely focus on the risks of a convention process and the broader debate over whether term limits are beneficial, but no opposing arguments appear in the provided materials.
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.
A JOINT RESOLUTION applying for an Article V convention to propose an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to set a limit on the number of terms of office for 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 an amendment to the constitution to limit the terms of office of members of Congress.
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.