Video & Transcript Research : 'militia'
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Feb 24th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- so that includes certain provisions for victims of an offense while serving within the organized militia
Keywords:
designation, commemoration, December 12, local observance, cultural significance, military justice, victims' rights, militia, Washington code, legal protections, citizenship, immigration, terminology, rights, legal status, HB 2249, Washington Technology Solutions, WaTech, civil service, classified service
Summary:
The State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on February 24, 2026, for its final regular meeting of the session. The committee first re-briefed a large slate of bills and gubernatorial appointments, then recessed briefly before returning to executive session. Members also noted that two bills, House Bills 2574 and 2637, would not be moved that day.
The committee unanimously recommended confirmation of four gubernatorial appointments: Megan Matthews (9066), Reedy Mukapade (9246), Kiana Daniels (9268), and Gauri Shratria (9267). During discussion on Matthews’ appointment, senators raised issues of inclusivity, data disaggregation, and outreach to diverse communities, while several members praised her engagement with contractors and communities across the state.
The committee advanced numerous bills, generally on unanimous votes, with several striking amendments adopted. Those included changes to the Washington Voting Rights Act bills (HB 1710, HB 1750, HB 1916, and HB 2123), voter registration challenge procedures, and election-related language. Other bills moved forward addressed military justice victim rights (HB 2417), replacing “alien” with “non-citizen” in state and local law (HB 2632, with the amendment withdrawn), shared leave for employees affected by hate crimes or immigration enforcement (HB 2411), civil service coverage for certain Washington Technology Solutions employees (HB 2249), language-accessible public services (HB 2475), higher small works roster limits (HB 2420), removing postgraduate degree requirements as the sole qualification standard (HB 2309), public records exemptions for firearm-related records (HB 2235), and privacy protections for personal information in agency records (HB 2637, not moved). The chair closed by thanking staff and adjourned the committee’s last meeting of the session.
TX
Bills:
HB 551, HB 1281, HB 1378, HB 1617, HB 2868, HB 2881, HB 3374, HB 4439, HB 4726, HB 4732, HB 4878, HB 4914, HB 4921, HB 4958, HB 5200, HB 5318, HB 5360, HB 5402, HB 5568, HB 5573, HB 5623, HJR 218
Keywords:
political contributions, address privacy, Texas Ethics Commission, election transparency, campaign finance, international organizations, World Health Organization, jurisdiction, state law, enforcement, United Nations, World Economic Forum, attorney general, Texas attorney general, state sovereignty, legal enforcement, Texas Attorney General, electric energy storage, municipal regulation, county regulation
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Prior to the 20th century, states maintained their own militias, largely independent from federal control
- However, with the passage of the Militia Act of 1903, which you may be familiar with, commonly known
- State militias were conditioned to receive support based on strict compliance with federal standards,
Bills:
HB551, HB 1281, HB1378, HB1617, HB2868, HB2881, HB3374, HB4439, HB4726, HB4732, HB4878, HB4914, HB4921, HB4958, HB5200, HB5318, HB5360, HB5402, HB5568, HB5573, HB5623, HJR218
Keywords:
political contributions, address privacy, Texas Ethics Commission, election transparency, campaign finance, international organizations, World Health Organization, jurisdiction, state law, enforcement, United Nations, World Economic Forum, attorney general, Texas attorney general, state sovereignty, legal enforcement, Texas Attorney General, electric energy storage, municipal regulation, county regulation
TX
Bills:
HB551, HB 1281, HB1378, HB1617, HB2868, HB2881, HB3374, HB4439, HB4726, HB4732, HB4878, HB4914, HB4921, HB4958, HB5200, HB5318, HB5360, HB5402, HB5568, HB5573, HB5623, HJR218
Keywords:
political contributions, address privacy, Texas Ethics Commission, election transparency, campaign finance, international organizations, World Health Organization, jurisdiction, state law, enforcement, United Nations, World Economic Forum, attorney general, Texas attorney general, state sovereignty, legal enforcement, Texas Attorney General, electric energy storage, municipal regulation, county regulation
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee, February 24, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- The militia of the state will be divided into the organized militia and the unorganized militia.
- </c><00:20:01.520><c> to</c> have power to call out the militia to have power to call out the militia
- The militia of the state to be militia.
- </c><00:20:27.760><c> The</c> militia and the unorganized militia.
- The militia and the unorganized militia.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (10/17/2025)
State-federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- as being the militia, but also not the militia at the same time, and it has never been adjudicated at
- But only Congress can send the militia to war.
- The Iraqi militia, they kept saying it was Iranian-backed, but it was Iraqi militia who pulled the trigger
- Uh the Iraqi militia, they kept militia.
- It Iraqi militia who pulled the trigger.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Can you explain the difference between the militia and the National Guard?
- So the organized militia incorporates a variety of organizations. The organization...
- So that's part of your militia right there.
- Clause 15 delegates to Congress the power to call forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union,
- Yes, as long as this is for one of the three authorized purposes of the militia or declaration of war
Summary:
The committee held a hybrid public hearing on seven House bills and seven Senate bills related to the Massachusetts National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserves. Opening remarks covered hearing procedures, livestreaming, testimony limits, and expected reporting dates, and chairs noted the committee’s focus on Guard and Reserve issues. Testimony then moved through several bills, including S. 2465 to expand the National Guard welcome-home veterans bonus to all deployed Guard members regardless of residency, H. 3876/S. 2462 to authorize military-style headstones for long-serving or deceased Guard members, and S. 2482/H. 3833 to establish a Massachusetts National Guard Museum in Salem. Supporters of the bonus and headstone bills argued they would correct inequities and better honor service; Senator Lovely described the museum proposal as a way to preserve the Guard’s history in Salem and potentially support federal funding for the project.
A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 3829/S. 2471, the “Defend the Guard” proposal that would bar Massachusetts National Guard deployments into active combat absent a formal congressional declaration of war. Supporters argued the bill would restore constitutional war powers, reduce repeated undeclared deployments, and protect Guard members’ mental health and state readiness. Opponents, including retired Guard leaders and current service members, warned it could conflict with federal law and Title 10 authority, undermine federal funding and training, and harm readiness, force structure, and unique Guard capabilities. Committee members repeatedly questioned the bill’s legal authority, constitutional basis, and practical effects under the Supremacy Clause and Title 10, and several witnesses were asked to submit additional written legal support.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3831, which would extend Chapter 115 benefits to currently serving Guard and Reserve members who do not meet federal veteran-status thresholds, and on related proposals to clarify Guard command structure and the duties of the Adjutant General. Supporters said these changes would improve access to benefits, reduce confusion in the chain of command, and strengthen discipline and responsiveness. Separately, the National Guard Association of Massachusetts backed H. 3860/S. 2458, the Guard Enlistment Enhancement Program, as a recruiting tool, while opposing the Defend the Guard bills. No votes were taken during the hearing.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 15, February 26, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He said the constitution already addresses the militia, stating that the militia of the state shall consist
- . militia. militia. that<01:34:49.040><c> these</c><01:34:49.280><c> are</c><01:34:49.440><c> things<
- I don't think we need to go down a path of where we're going to have a militia take care of the militia
- I don't think we need to go down a path of where we're going to have a militia take care of the militia
- I don't think we need to go down a path of where we're going to have a militia take care of the militia
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jun 29 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This letter is from John Adams to the Massachusetts militia dated 11 October.
- This letter is from John Adams to the Massachusetts Militia dated 11 October 1798.
- To the officers of the 1st Brigade of the 3rd Division of the Militia of Massachusetts: Gentlemen, I
- completely to arm and clothe themselves in handsome uniforms, does honor to that division of the militia
- which has done so much honor to their country. does honor to that division of the militia, which has
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Preventing Gun Violence/Discussing Data Centers/Federal Funding Changes Create Budget Uncertainty Mar 7th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- that expanded the Second Amendment to the rights of private individuals to possess firearms beyond militia
- that expanded the Second Amendment to the rights of private individuals to possess firearms beyond militia
- that expanded the Second Amendment to the rights of private individuals to possess firearms beyond militia
- that expanded the Second Amendment to the rights of private individuals to possess firearms beyond militia
- that expanded the Second Amendment to the rights of private individuals to possess firearms beyond militia
Summary:
The program covered three main topics: Minnesota’s February economic forecast, gun violence prevention efforts, and the growing debate over data centers. Minnesota Management and Budget reported a stronger-than-expected outlook, replacing a projected deficit with a $3.7 billion surplus for FY 2026-27 and a projected positive balance for FY 2028-29, though officials warned the state still faces a structural imbalance and possible federal funding losses tied to Medicaid reimbursements and fraud-related federal actions. Lawmakers also discussed affordability concerns, with Senate Republicans promoting a tax-relief package focused on property taxes, vehicle tab fees, and ending taxes on tips and overtime.
A lengthy segment focused on gun violence prevention, including a Capitol rally by Annunciation Catholic Church families, students, and advocates. Senator Ron Latz said an interim working group he co-led with Senator Zeinab Mohamed gathered public and expert input and helped shape ideas for the session. He said there is no single solution, but cited measures such as red flag laws, universal background checks, an assault weapons ban, high-capacity magazine limits, safe-storage requirements, ghost gun and binary trigger bans, and more school counseling and wraparound mental health supports. Latz emphasized that he sees these as compatible with the Second Amendment and said he hopes to build bipartisan support, especially around school counseling and other “common-sense” measures.
Latz said the short session and narrow margins mean compromise will be necessary, and that if a package does not pass this year, lawmakers will return to the issue next session while voters should hold legislators accountable in future elections. The final segment introduced the data center discussion, with Senator Bill Liske describing how data centers have grown from small server rooms into large industrial facilities and noting that some communities are considering moratoriums or restrictions because of neighborhood impacts.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PBS Info Briefing - Mon July 28, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And this and this is the militia act.
- Um, the Constitution says first and foremost that the militia is of the several states.
- of the government of the quote militias of the government of the<00:35:49.839><c> constitution.
- </c> militias in the constitution. militias in the constitution.
- is of the foremost that the militia is of the several<00:36:24.000><c> states.
Summary:
The committee held an informational briefing on federal and state authority over National Guard deployment in response to civil protest or unrest, prompted by recent federal actions and the California litigation in Newsom v. Trump. The chair explained the purpose was to help lawmakers and the public understand the legal background, the status of the California case, and possible Hawaii policy responses. David Day of the Attorney General’s office outlined several recent federal immigration-related executive actions and enforcement directives, then described Hawaii’s participation in multiple lawsuits challenging federal funding conditions, data-sharing demands, and the birthright citizenship order.
A major portion of the briefing focused on Newsom v. Trump. Day summarized the June 2025 Los Angeles protests and the president’s memorandum federalizing National Guard units under 10 U.S.C. 12406, which California challenged as ultra vires, procedurally improper, and violative of the Posse Comitatus Act, the Tenth Amendment, and the APA. He said the district court initially granted relief, but the Ninth Circuit stayed the TRO and held, in a published decision, that review under section 12406 is highly deferential and that the president lawfully exercised authority under paragraph 3. He also noted California-law issues about orders being issued through the governor, and said Hawaii had supported California through amicus briefs and would continue to do so; the bench trial was scheduled for August 11-13.
Members then asked how Hawaii law differs from California’s and whether the Ninth Circuit ruling would control here. Day said the standard-of-review aspects would likely apply, but the California-specific procedural language about orders issued in the governor’s name does not appear in Hawaii law. The committee also heard from Colonel Lloyd C. Phelps of the Hawaii Department of Defense, who explained that National Guard activations generally occur under Title 10 federal orders, state orders, or other statuses, and said the June 2025 federalization mechanism was a Title 10 call-up. He began addressing the president’s authority, the Posse Comitatus Act, and Hawaii’s own preparedness, but the discussion was cut short and members indicated they would return to the topic later. No votes were taken.
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jun 29 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This letter is from John Adams to the Massachusetts Militia dated 11 October 1798.
- To the officers of the 1st Brigade of the 3rd Division of the Militia of Massachusetts: Gentlemen, I
- This letter is from John Adams to the Massachusetts Militia dated 11 October 1798.
- To the officers of the 1st Brigade of the 3rd Division of the Militia of Massachusetts.
- completely to arm and clothe themselves in handsome uniforms, does honor to that division of the militia
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then received communications recalling it for voting session and referring gubernatorial nominations and a series of Senate and House bills and resolutions to standing committees. Leaves of absence were granted, and the chamber recessed briefly for committee meetings and party caucuses before reconvening.
On the floor, the Senate unanimously agreed to House Bill 1102 and later passed Senate Bill 1133 and Senate Bill 1303 by 50-0 votes. Several measures were set aside to their proper place in the calendar or re-referred, including Senate Bill 1182 and House Bill 928 to Appropriations. The Senate also adopted multiple amendments to Senate Bill 1372, including a technical amendment from Senator Brooks, an amendment offered on behalf of Senator Loughlin, and Senator Fontana’s amendment requiring carbon monoxide detectors in child care facilities; after amendment, Senate Bill 1372 was held over. The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 326 urging a posthumous Medal of Honor for Major Richard Winters.
During petitions and remonstrances, Senator Tartaglione urged action to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, noting it has been 20 years since the last increase. Senator Dush honored Colonel James C. Harding on his birthday, highlighting his military service and decorations. Senator Street introduced a discharge resolution to force consideration of adult-use cannabis legalization, arguing the issue has bipartisan support and should receive a vote. Senator Dush also delivered extended remarks on the Founders, John Adams, religion, and the Constitution.
Committee reports followed, including Appropriations reporting Senate Bills 1061, 1182, and 1303 as committed and House Bill 2400 as amended, and Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure reporting House Bill 2426 as committed. The Senate then considered supplemental calendars, adopting an amendment to Senate Bill 1182 and passing Senate Bill 1303 on final passage, both by 50-0 votes. The chamber was also notified of upcoming committee meetings, and it recessed until June 30, 2026, at 11 a.m., unless recalled sooner.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- organizations participating. ...in border security, there have been some troubling reports of private militias
- operating on the border and private militia groups in Texas generally.
- appropriate oversight and that we are not going into a frankly dangerous circumstance. ...stance of armed militias
- But the Texas Department of Public Safety discourages the militias from responding.
- There were multiple arrests made of militia individuals.
Keywords:
homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There have been some troubling reports of private militias operating on, on the border and private militia
- appropriate oversight and that we are not going into a, um, frankly dangerous circumstance of, of armed militias
- The Texas Department of Public said we discourage the militias from responding.
- There were, there were multiple arrests made of militia, individuals or some that were not authorized
Keywords:
homeland security, border security, critical infrastructure, Department of Public Safety, intelligence operations, public-private partnerships, SB 2202, firearm trafficking, gun trafficking, terrorism, foreign terrorist organization, Texas-Mexico border, United Mexican States, Mexico, DPS, second-degree felony, weapons transfer, illegal firearms transfer, arms smuggling, cross-border crime
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary (3-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- The Militia Act of 1792 was a national standard that allowed for 18-year-olds to be in the militia.
- </c><00:07:20.400><c> act</c><00:07:21.120><c> the</c> 1792 Congress passed the militia act the 1792
- Congress passed the militia act the militia<00:07:21.639><c> Act</c><00:07:21.800><c> of</c><00:07:21.960
- ><c> 1792</c><00:07:22.759><c> was</c><00:07:22.879><c> a</c><00:07:23.039><c> National</c> militia Act
- these young adults to be in the militia these young adults were<00:07:27.560><c> responsible</c><00:
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:06
SB 75: 00:01:05
Discussion in Opposition to SB 75: 00:11:00
SCR 89: 00:26:30
HB 38: 00:34:51
HB 201: 00:50:16, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 75, sponsored by Senator Reed, which would lower Kentucky’s concealed carry age from 21 to 18. The bill’s supporters, including Taylor McKe of the NRA, argued that 18- to 20-year-olds are legal adults who should have equal Second Amendment rights, noting they can vote, serve in the military, and otherwise be treated as adults. Supporters also cited court decisions and historical arguments, while opponents, including Kathy Hobart and Chuck Eddie, warned that the bill would increase gun violence and put more guns in the hands of young people without adequate training. Senator Carol said he opposed the bill because the brain is not fully mature until about age 25 and called the measure irresponsible; Senator Denine said he would pass the bill but wanted training requirements added; Senator Thomas also opposed it on public safety grounds; and Senator Wheeler supported it as a parity and self-defense measure for law-abiding young adults.
After debate, the committee voted on SB 75 and reported it favorably with the expression of opinion that it should pass. The roll call reflected a mix of support and opposition, with several members explaining their votes. Supporters emphasized self-defense, constitutional rights, and consistency with adult responsibilities, while opponents focused on youth violence, public safety, and the lack of a training requirement.
The committee then took up Senate Concurrent Resolution 89, sponsored by Senator Jimmy Higdon, which would direct the establishment of a Kentucky Restoration of Voting Rights Task Force. Higdon described it as a typical interim work group and said it would include five House and five Senate members. Discussion broadened to expungement and restoration issues, including marijuana-related convictions and other records that members said should be reviewed in light of changing laws. Chair Storm noted he had filed a separate expungement task force resolution and suggested the measures could be coordinated. The resolution was moved, seconded, and the roll was called, with Senator Thomas later explaining support for treating older marijuana convictions more equitably in light of current law.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 13 (1-23-26) - Resumed
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- No, we keep your guns, but the Second Amendment says a well-regulated militia because we have a community
- No, we keep your guns, but the Second Amendment says a well-regulated militia because we have a community
- No, we keep your guns, but the Second Amendment says a well-regulated militia because we have a community
- </c> wellregulated militia wellregulated militia because<00:15:46.639><c> we</c><00:15:46.959><c> have
- Constitution, George Mason once said, "I asked, sir, what is the militia?
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 17 (1-30-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ><00:24:38.400><c> my</c> Didn't take the common sense from my perspective, opportunity to remove militia
- Exchange where militia was defined as the people. Oh, no, wait, that was my misrecollection.
- The militia is the people. People acting in a group to preserve liberty.
- the Senate will make changes because if the Senate changes this bill and eliminates vigilanteism, militia
- > vigilanteism,</c> this bill and eliminates vigilanteism, this bill and eliminates vigilanteism, militia
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Calendar/2nd Readings 04:07
Orders of the Day 05:07
HB 144 05:15
HB 3 08:27
HB 290 12:34
HB 84 14:53
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 40:12
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 45:19
Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 46:20
ConC/Rules Report 48:12
Floor Amendments 49:42
Adjournment 50:05, 958, all
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Preventing Gun Violence in Minnesota – Senator Ron Latz Mar 7th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- that expanded the Second Amendment to the rights of private individuals to possess firearms beyond militia
- possess rights of private individuals to possess firearms<00:08:13.880><c> beyond</c><00:08:14.400><c> militia
- </c> firearms beyond militia firearms beyond militia uh<00:08:16.360><c> you</c><00:08:16.440><c> know
Summary:
The interview focused on Minnesota gun violence prevention efforts following the June shootings of the Hortmans and Hoffmans and the Annunciation shooting. The senator said those events prompted him and Senator Zaynab Mohamed to form a gun violence prevention working group during the interim to gather public and expert input, explore ideas, and build bipartisan support. He said the group was meant to set the stage for session work, and that several ideas vetted there are now appearing in legislative proposals, along with a package from the governor’s office.
Asked what the legislature should prioritize, the senator said there is no single solution and outlined a multi-pronged approach: enforcing and expanding red flag and universal background check laws, considering an assault weapons ban and high-capacity magazine limits, banning ghost guns and binary triggers, improving firearm storage and security, and increasing school counseling and wraparound mental health supports. He emphasized that mental health alone is not the cause of violence, but said better identification of students in distress and easier access to care could help. He also argued that these measures can coexist with the Second Amendment and said regulation is appropriate to keep firearms from people with violent criminal histories, domestic violence histories, or other prohibitions.
On politics and prospects, he said passage will depend on bipartisan negotiation in a closely divided legislature, noting that some Democrats and Republicans are uncomfortable with certain proposals while others are open to them. He said he is willing to adjust language, as he did on earlier red flag and background check laws, and hopes members will work with him and Senator Mohamed, especially in swing districts. If no package passes this session, he said the issue will return next session and voters should hold legislators accountable in the next election. He closed by telling families affected by gun violence that lawmakers are working on the issue now and should not wait for another mass shooting, adding that gun violence also includes suicides and other daily deaths, not just mass shootings.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- Could you teach us state militia.
- the state militia and the state<01:42:38.000><c> guard.
- >> Oh, about the militia. >> Um, so the militia is talking about the State Guard itself, not the National
- :20.000><c> militia</c><01:43:20.400><c> is</c><01:43:20.719><c> talking</c> militia.
- Um, so the militia is talking militia.
Keywords:
pari-mutuel wagering, simulcasting, historic horse racing, HHR terminals, horse racing, gaming commission, Wyoming Gaming Commission, local control, city approval, county approval, municipal approval, permit renewal, gaming permit, wagering regulation, racetrack, live pari-mutuel event, district court appeal, public notice, land use, public safety
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Because the very first law passed by the Congress of the United States was the Militia Act, and the Militia
- Act defined the militia as all able-bodied males 15 to 55 are members of the militia, the unorganized
- militia.
- the convention because that deals with limiting the power of the federal government vis-à-vis the militia
Summary:
The hearing of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs was opened by Chair Joe McGonagle and Vice Chair Senator Mike Rush, who noted that Chair John Velis was deployed with the Massachusetts National Guard. The chairs explained the hybrid format, three-minute testimony limit, live streaming, and filing deadlines, and said the committee would hear 11 House bills and eight Senate bills dealing with federal and overseas issues. Much of the hearing centered on competing resolutions about Article 5 constitutional conventions, along with related resolutions on D.C. statehood, child labor, Citizens United, and Cambodia.
Supporters of H. 4692 and S. 284, a joint resolution to rescind all prior Massachusetts Article 5 convention applications, argued that old resolutions from the 1930s and 1970s could be used to count Massachusetts toward the 34-state threshold for calling a federal constitutional convention. Testifiers from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, the ACLU, Reproductive Equity Now, labor groups, and others warned that a convention would have no clear rules, could not be reliably limited to specific topics, and could put civil rights, reproductive rights, labor protections, and other constitutional protections at risk. Several speakers also cited a recent federal lawsuit and said the safest course was to remove outdated applications from the books.
A large opposing panel testified in support of H. 3888, a resolution calling for a Convention of States to propose amendments limiting federal power, imposing fiscal restraints, and establishing term limits. Supporters argued that Article 5 provides a lawful way to address federal overreach, debt, and congressional stagnation, and said the process would be limited by state applications and ratification by 38 states. Some committee members and witnesses raised concerns about a runaway convention, broad language in the resolution, and whether Congress could or should set rules for such a convention. Representative Gentile also testified in support of several related resolutions on overturning Citizens United, D.C. statehood, and the child labor amendment, while Representative Howard and Representative Tongue supported a Cambodia resolution condemning political oppression and urging free and fair elections. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.