Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HJR35

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

Rescinding the automatic rescission of certain applications made by the Texas Legislature to the United States Congress to call a national convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for proposing any amendment to that constitution.

Impact

The passage of HJR35 would allow Texas to maintain potential applications to call for a national convention to propose amendments to the Constitution indefinitely, unless explicitly withdrawn by future legislative action. This change could lead to significant implications for the state’s role in national constitutional discussions and debates, potentially affecting a wide range of governance issues. By rescinding the automatic rescission provision, Texas would position itself as an active participant in the constitutional amendment process, opening up the possibility for various proposals that could impact state and federal laws.

Summary

HJR35 is a joint resolution introduced in the Texas Legislature, which aims to rescind the automatic rescission of applications made by previous legislatures to the United States Congress for calling a national convention under Article V of the United States Constitution. This convention would be aimed at proposing amendments to the Constitution. The resolution effectively nullifies a provision established by S.J.R. No. 38 enacted in 2017, which stated that any application submitted after the 85th Legislature would automatically be invalidated eight years after the last legislative vote on the application.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HJR35 appears to be mixed among lawmakers and constituents. Supporters argue that rescinding the automatic rescission is a necessary step for legislative sovereignty and empowering Texas to engage in discussions about significant constitutional amendments. They may feel that this aligns with broader calls for reform at the federal level. Conversely, critics are likely to express concerns about the potential consequences of a national convention, including the risks of unintended amendments that could undermine current protections at both state and federal levels.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding HJR35 involves the concerns raised about the potential for a national convention to lead to significant and irreversible changes to the U.S. Constitution. Detractors argue that this could result in amendments that may not reflect the will of a majority of Americans or that could detract from existing rights and liberties. The debate encapsulates a deep tension between those advocating for reform and those wary of the risks associated with opening up the Constitution to amendments proposed through a national convention.

Companion Bills

TX SJR36

Identical Rescinding the automatic rescission of certain applications made by the Texas Legislature to the United States Congress to call a national convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for proposing any amendment to that constitution.

Previously Filed As

TX SJR41

Rescinding the automatic rescission of certain applications made by the Texas Legislature to the United States Congress to call a national convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for proposing any amendment to that constitution.

TX HJR22

Rescinding the automatic rescission of certain applications made by the Texas Legislature to the United States Congress to call a national convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for proposing any amendment to that constitution.

TX SJM8008

Rescinding prior applications for a constitutional convention to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States.

TX HJR98

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.

TX HF3088

A joint resolution rescinding prior applications of the legislature to Congress for a constitutional convention under Article V of the Constitution of the United States.

TX HCR025

States findings of the Legislature and requests that Congress call a convention for proposing amendments under Article V of the Constitution of the United States.

TX HJ00049

Resolution Rescinding Previous Applications Of The General Assembly That Called For An Article V Convention To Propose Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States And Directing Transmission Of Such Resolution To Congress For Printing In The Congressional Record.

TX HJR5002

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.

TX H7792

JOINT RESOLUTION RESCINDING PREVIOUS ARTICLE V CONVENTION APPLICATIONS (Rescinds any prior applications to the United States Congress from the Rhode Island General Assembly to call for a convention to amend the United States Constitution.)

TX SC515

United States Constitutional Convention under Article V; apply for congressional term limits.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.