General Assembly; selection of delegates to a convention for proposing amendments.
Impact
The bill introduces specific restrictions on delegated authority, ensuring that delegates cannot endorse amendments that would alter individual liberties guaranteed by the Constitution, including protections found in the Bill of Rights and significant amendments pertaining to civil rights. This regulation aims to prevent potential overreach and ensure that state interests are safeguarded during national discussions on constitutional amendments. The legislation is significant as it aligns Virginia’s participation in potential constitutional conventions with defined legal frameworks and standards.
Voting
The bill faced a contentious reception in the Senate, ultimately failing to report out of the Privileges and Elections Committee, where the vote was split evenly at 7-7. This outcome reflects the division among lawmakers about the appropriate approach to amending the Constitution and the degree of control the General Assembly should exert over delegates selected for such critical conventions.
Summary
SB527 proposes a framework for the Virginia General Assembly to select delegates to attend an Article V convention for proposing amendments to the United States Constitution. The bill outlines the qualifications required for delegates, including citizenship, residency, age, and absence from certain positions within specified time frames. Importantly, it establishes a selection process where delegates must be appointed through a resolution passed by both chambers of the General Assembly, thereby ensuring legislative oversight of delegate actions.
Contention
Opponents of SB527 may argue that the limitations on delegate voting and their defined scope may hinder meaningful progress or flexibility in addressing constitutional concerns during a convention. The bill's provisions for recall and monitoring by an advisory committee could lead to political maneuvering or pressure on delegates, raising concerns about the balance between legislative control and individual delegate agency. The debate around this bill revolves around finding an equilibrium between effective representation and stringent oversight.
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Title 30 a chapter numbered 19.1, consisting of sections numbered 30-173.1 through 30-173.11, relating to General Assembly; intergovernmental affairs; delegates to convention for proposing amendments held pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States; penalties.