House Joint Resolution 379 is a formal application by the North Carolina General Assembly to Congress under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, asking Congress to call a convention of the states. The convention would be limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, reduce or limit federal power and jurisdiction, and establish term limits for federal officials and members of Congress.
The resolution states that North Carolina’s application would remain in effect as a continuing application until at least two-thirds of the states submit similar applications on the same subject. It also directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the application to federal leaders, North Carolina’s congressional delegation, and the presiding officers of all state legislatures. The measure is a joint resolution, so it does not itself amend state law but expresses the legislature’s position and seeks to trigger the federal constitutional amendment process.
Impact
If adopted, the resolution would not change North Carolina statutory law directly; instead, it would place the state on record as formally requesting an Article V convention limited to fiscal restraints, federal power limits, and term limits. Its practical effect would be to add North Carolina to the pool of states whose applications could be counted toward the constitutional threshold for calling a convention, while also requiring official transmission of the application to federal and state recipients. The measure primarily affects the state legislature’s constitutional advocacy role and could influence broader national efforts around federalism, spending limits, and congressional term limits.
Sentiment
The available vote history suggests the bill drew meaningful support but also substantial opposition. On second reading, it passed 62-51, indicating a closely divided chamber rather than broad consensus. The bill’s findings and purpose reflect a strongly pro-state-rights, anti-federal-overreach perspective, and supporters appear to view it as a tool for restraining Washington and addressing debt and government power concerns.
Contention
The main points of contention are the use of an Article V convention and the scope of the proposed amendments. Supporters favor using the convention process to impose fiscal restraints, limit federal authority, and create term limits, while opponents likely object to the risks of opening a constitutional convention, the potential for broader or unpredictable amendments, and the underlying premise that federal power must be curtailed through this mechanism. The close vote indicates disagreement both over the policy goals and over whether a convention of the states is an appropriate or safe constitutional strategy.