Virginia 2023 Regular Session

Virginia House Bill HJR457

Introduced
10/13/22  
Refer
10/13/22  
Report Pass
1/31/23  

Caption

United States Constitution; application for a convention of the states.

Impact

If passed, HJR457 could enable a convention of states, fundamentally altering the relationship between state and federal governments. It applies the concept of state sovereignty in the context of constitutional amendments, allowing states to address issues they believe the federal government has mishandled or overstepped, particularly in fiscal management and regulation. The resolution emphasizes that applications from two-thirds of state legislatures for a similar cause are required for Congress to initiate such a convention.

Summary

HJR457 is a resolution from the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia requesting Congress to call an amendment convention of the states under Article V of the United States Constitution. The primary goals of this resolution are to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit its power and jurisdiction, and establish term limits for congressional members and federal officials. The resolution positions state legislators as defenders of liberty against what they view as the federal government's overreach and excessive spending.

Contention

Discussion surrounding HJR457 has highlighted concerns over the potential consequences of convening such a convention, especially regarding the risks of unintended amendments to the Constitution. Critics of the resolution warn that opening a convention could lead to attempts to alter or repeal foundational rights, including those outlined in the Bill of Rights. Consequently, the resolution includes safeguards stating that no amendments concerning the Bill of Rights will be considered, but skepticism remains about the enforceability and effectiveness of these limitations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VA SCR114

Application For A Convention Of The States Under Article V Of The Constitution Of The United States.

VA SJM8008

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

VA HCR010

States findings of the Legislature and makes three separate applications to the United States Congress to call a convention of the states under Article V of the Constitution of the United States.

VA SR262

Article V of the United States Constitution; a convention of the states; apply

VA HCR3

Applying for a convention of the states under Article V of the Constitution of the United States.

VA SCR4003

A concurrent resolution to rescind all extant applications by the North Dakota Legislative Assembly to call a convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution under Article V of the United States Constitution.

VA SCR4003

A concurrent resolution to rescind all extant applications by the North Dakota Legislative Assembly to call a convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution under Article V of the United States Constitution.

VA C01002

Calls for a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States

VA 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.)

VA SJR3

Urges Congress to call a convention of the states to propose certain amendments to the United States Constitution. (BDR R-546)

Similar Bills

TX SJR54

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 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.

US SB60

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NJ AJR91

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WV HCR75

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WV HCR10

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SC S1054

Limit Vote to Citizens

HI SR81

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