<p class=ldtitle>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.</p>
Impact
The passage of HB 8 will enforce strict guidelines that govern who can be selected as a delegate to the convention. This includes not only age and residency requirements but also restrictions on lobbying activities and criminal records. By implementing these qualifications, the state aims to maintain a high standard of integrity and accountability amongst those representing Virginia in such significant constitutional discussions. Additionally, delegates are mandated to adhere closely to the instructions provided by the General Assembly regarding their roles and responsibilities.
Summary
House Bill 8 is a proposed law in Virginia that establishes a framework for appointing delegates to a convention aimed at proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution, as permitted under Article V of the Constitution. The bill outlines specific qualifications for delegates, including citizenship and residency requirements, and establishes a process for their selection, which must be done through a resolution passed by both chambers of the General Assembly. This ensures that the appointed delegates are properly vetted and meet the necessary legal standards.
Contention
There are potential points of contention surrounding HB 8, especially regarding the restrictions placed on delegates. Critics may argue that the imposed qualifications and the powers granted to the advisory committee — which oversees delegate actions — could prevent qualified individuals from serving based solely on their political background or prior associations. Moreover, the bill includes language that subjects delegates to penalties, including felony charges, for not adhering to the limitations set forth, which may raise concerns about the implications for free speech and the political participation of individuals.
Regulatory_scope
In addition to the qualifications and penalties, the bill emphasizes the role of the advisory committee in monitoring delegate authority and potentially removing those who exceed their defined roles. This centralization of oversight reflects a broader strategy to tightly control the narrative and actions of Virginia's delegates, ultimately impacting how the state engages with other states during a constitutional convention. These frameworks could shift the dynamics of intergovernmental relations concerning proposed amendments, potentially leading to debates over state sovereignty versus federal authority.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.