Affirms the sovereignty of the people of the state of Missouri in areas protected by the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and creates the Joint Committee on the Review of Federal Overreach
Impact
If enacted, SCR23 would establish a Joint Committee on the Review of Federal Overreach, tasked with identifying specific federal laws and regulations that infringe upon state powers. This committee would consist of ten members from both legislative chambers, reflecting a bipartisan approach, tasked with conducting hearings and compiling recommendations for legislative action. The establishment of this committee signifies a proactive step towards asserting state authority and could influence the relationship between state and federal governance in various policy areas.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution 23 (SCR23) emphasizes the sovereignty of the people of Missouri and reaffirms the principles outlined in the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The resolution asserts that the federal government should not exceed its constitutionally delegated powers and that any federal actions beyond these limits should be challenged by the state. This resolution serves as both a declaration of autonomy for Missouri and a formal notice to the federal government to cease any actions deemed outside of its constitutional authority.
Contention
While supporters of SCR23 argue that it is essential for state autonomy and protecting the rights of the people, there may be contention regarding how this resolution could be interpreted and implemented in practice. Critics might express concerns that such a committee could lead to unnecessary conflict with federal authorities, resulting in legal challenges and complications in various domains such as healthcare, education, and environmental policy. The breadth of the terms 'federal overreach' could also lead to subjective interpretations that impact a wide array of federal regulations.