Apply to Congress: Constitutional Convention for certain purposes
Summary
SJR3 is a joint resolution by the Ohio General Assembly applying to Congress for an Article V Convention of the States. The proposed convention would be limited to considering constitutional amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and impose term limits on federal officials and Members of Congress. The resolution frames the application as a response to federal debt, federal mandates, and what it describes as federal overreach.
The resolution also includes a series of conditions and instructions intended to narrow and control the convention process. It states that Congress’s role would be ministerial, that the convention would be limited to the specified topics, that the Bill of Rights could not be amended, that delegates would be appointed by state legislatures, and that voting would be by one state, one vote. It further recommends that any proposed amendments be ratified by state legislatures rather than by state ratifying conventions, and directs the Ohio Senate Clerk to transmit the application to federal and state legislative leaders.
Impact
If adopted, SJR3 would not directly change Ohio statutory law, but it would formally commit Ohio to seeking a constitutional convention under Article V and would add Ohio to the count of states supporting a convention on the same subject. Its practical effect is political and procedural: it seeks to pressure Congress to call a convention and to shape the terms under which Ohio believes such a convention should operate. The resolution also attempts to preserve Ohio’s ability to issue further instructions to delegates and to recall them, though the legal force of those limitations would depend on the broader Article V process and any future convention arrangements.
Sentiment
The bill’s text reflects strong support for the measure among its sponsors, with a clear emphasis on fiscal restraint, federalism, and limiting federal power. Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no direct evidence here of opposition or bipartisan debate in the legislative record supplied. The overall tone of the resolution is assertive and reform-oriented, presenting the convention as a necessary response to federal excess.
Contention
The main points of contention are likely to be the use of an Article V convention itself and the attempt to tightly limit its scope. Supporters appear to favor a convention as a tool to address federal debt, mandates, and term limits, while critics of such efforts often worry that a convention could exceed its stated agenda or open the Constitution to broader changes. The resolution anticipates that concern by expressly excluding any amendment affecting the Bill of Rights and by asserting state control over delegates and voting rules, but those very assertions may be disputed as to their enforceability and constitutional effect.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3505.01 and 3505.10 of the Revised Code to modify the deadline for a political party to certify its nominees for President and Vice-President to the Secretary of State.
To delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice presidential candidates to the Secretary of State for the 2024 general election.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
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 one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and 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 one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.
Write the Laws ActThis bill prohibits an act of Congress from containing any delegation of legislative powers, whether to any component within the legislative branch, the President or any other member of the executive branch, the judicial branch, any agency or quasi-public agency, any state or state instrumentality, or any other organization or individual.The Government Accountability Office must identify to Congress all statutes enacted before the date that is 90 days after this bill's enactment that contain any delegation of legislative power.Any act of Congress, presidential directive, adjudicative decision, rule, or regulation that is enacted 90 days or more after this bill's enactment and is noncompliant with this bill shall have no force or effect.
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.