Virginia 2023 Regular Session

Virginia Senate Bill SJR235

Introduced
1/6/23  

Caption

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

Impact

If SJR235 is enacted, it could lead to significant legislative implications as it calls for a convention limited to discussing amendments that address specific areas such as federal fiscal policies, limitations on federal powers, and establishing term limits for Congress. This could initiate a substantial shift in the balance of power between state and federal governments, promoting a resurgence of state rights that might alter the dynamics of legislative authority at both levels.

Summary

SJR235 seeks to apply for a convention of the states with the intent of proposing amendments to the United States Constitution. The bill highlights the growing concern over what is perceived as an overreach of federal authority, emphasizing the need for states to reclaim their rights and impose fiscal restraints on the federal government. The bill expresses a strong belief that the current federal government has strayed from constitutional principles, drawing attention to issues such as national debt and federal mandates that it argues are both excessive and unfunded.

Contention

The proposal for a convention of the states is not without its controversies. Critics argue that allowing a convention could lead to unintended amendments that might threaten the Bill of Rights or other foundational aspects of the Constitution. There is also apprehension surrounding the potential for a 'runaway convention' where delegates might diverge from the original mandate of proposing fiscal and governance reforms, thereby complicating the safeguarding of individual rights enshrined in the Constitution. These concerns highlight the delicate balance between state action and federal authority that SJR235 aims to navigate.

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

Urges Congress to call constitutional convention to consider reproductive health care rights.

WV HCR75

To repeal the 16th amendment to the U.S. Constitution

WV HCR10

To repeal the 16th amendment to the U.S. Constitution

SC S1054

Limit Vote to Citizens

HI SR81

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.