WV
West Virginia House Bill HCR57
West Virginia 2024 Regular Session
Menu
WV

West Virginia 2024 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HCR57

Introduced
1/30/24  
Refer
1/30/24  
Refer
3/1/24  
Report Pass
3/6/24  

Caption

Resolution demanding Congress call a Convention of States to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States to create fiscal responsibility by and within the federal government.

Impact

If passed, HCR57 could redefine the landscape of state-federal relations by encouraging other states to join West Virginia in this initiative. While proponents frame it as a necessary measure for ensuring fiscal discipline at the federal level, critics may argue it risks politicizing the amendment process, potentially leading to broader changes that could erode existing rights or financial protections. The resolution also hints at federal court action to compel Congress to act, demonstrating a proactive legislative stance in addressing fiscal issues.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 57 (HCR57) calls upon the United States Congress to convene a Convention of States aimed at proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution with a specific focus on promoting fiscal responsibility. The resolution underscores the escalating national debt, which has risen dramatically from $850 billion in 1979 to $34 trillion today, alongside a significant devaluation of the dollar and inflation concerns. HCR57 invokes Article V of the U.S. Constitution to emphasize states' rights in initiating such a convention, asserting that amendments are needed to address issues threatening economic stability, Social Security, and Medicare.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HCR57 appears to be largely favorable among its supporters, who view it as a timely response to federal financial irresponsibility. The resolution has garnered significant support in the West Virginia House, as indicated by a vote of 79 in favor and only 18 against. Nonetheless, the measure also raises concerns about its implications for state sovereignty and the integrity of the constitutional amendment process, pointing to a divide between proponents of fiscal responsibility and those wary of potential unintended consequences.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HCR57 include its proposed amendment to repeal the Sixteenth Amendment, which allows for federal income taxation. This aspect raises alarms among opponents who fear that it could lead to reduced federal funding for essential services. Furthermore, there are apprehensions regarding the potential outcomes of a Convention of States, which has historically been a highly debated topic, as it opens the door for wide-ranging constitutional changes that could affect various areas of governance beyond just fiscal matters.

Latest WV HCR57 Activity

View All Events: WV 2024 Regular Session HCR57

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV HCR102

Urging Congress call a convention of the states, under the authority reserved to the states in Article V of the United States Constitution, limited to proposing Amendments to the Constitution of the United States to create fiscal responsibility by and within the federal government.

WV HCR48

Resolution for Convention of States on Federal Fiscal Responsibility Amendment

WV SCR98

Urging The United States Congress To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments That Impose Fiscal Restraints On The Federal Government, Limit The Power And Jurisdiction Of The Federal Government, And Limit The Terms Of Office For Its Officials And Members Of Congress.

WV HCR80

Urging The United States Congress To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments That Impose Fiscal Restraints On The Federal Government, Limit The Power And Jurisdiction Of The Federal Government, And Limit The Terms Of Office For Its Officials And Members Of Congress.

WV HCR34

Urging The United States Congress To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments That Impose Fiscal Restraints On The Federal Government, Limit The Power And Jurisdiction Of The Federal Government, And Limit The Terms Of Office For Its Officials And Members Of Congress.

WV HCR15

Calling an Article V Convention for proposing a Fiscal Responsibility Amendment to the United States Constitution and stipulating ratification by a vote of We the People, and for other purposes.

WV HCR0007

A concurrent resolution applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress.

WV SR112

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the Federal Government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the Federal Government and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.

WV HR125

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the Federal Government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the Federal Government and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.

WV HCR19

Resolution for Convention of States on Federal Fiscal Responsibility Amendment

Similar Bills

LA HB472

(Constitutional Amendment) Revises Article VII of the Constitution of La. (OR -$139,000,000 GF RV See Note)

NJ ACR123

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR75

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR43

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

LA HB244

(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)

LA HB678

(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)

LA HB473

(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)

HI SB1225

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.