West Virginia 2025 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HCR74

Introduced
3/4/25  

Caption

To repeal the 17th amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Impact

Should HCR74 be enacted, it would significantly alter the electoral process for U.S. senators, shifting the responsibility from the electorate back to state legislatures. Supporters contend that this change would enhance the accountability of senators to their respective state governments rather than to the general public. They argue this would lead to a more cohesive representation of state interests at the federal level, promoting a federal structure that is more aligned with traditional state governance principles.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 74 (HCR74) urges Congress to call a convention of the states for the purpose of proposing an amendment to repeal the Seventeenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which mandates the popular election of senators. HCR74 emphasizes the authority of states under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to initiate such a convention, effectively advocating for a return to the previous system of legislative selection of senators. The proponents of this bill argue that the amendment undermines state sovereignty and limits the role of state legislatures in federal affairs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR74 appears to be mixed. Proponents, primarily from conservative and libertarian viewpoints, express enthusiasm for a move that they believe will revert to a system that respects states' rights and limits federal overreach. Conversely, opponents critique the resolution as a radical shift that undermines democratic processes. They argue that limiting the election of senators to state legislatures diminishes public participation in governance and could reintroduce potential corruption and favoritism.

Contention

Notable points of contention include fears regarding the implications of a convention of states, as some legislators worry it could open the door for unintended amendments to be proposed. Critics also highlight that the Seventeenth Amendment was enacted in response to widespread corruption and inefficiencies in the legislative selection process, suggesting its repeal may lead to a regression into past issues. The debate encapsulates broader tensions between state power and federal authority, with strong arguments on both sides regarding the best approach to governance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV HB114

Relating to political party nomination of presidential electors

WV SCR101

Urging US Department of Education to accelerate processing of Free Application for Federal Student Aid

WV SB1014

Clarifying procedure for political party nomination of presidential electors

WV HB115

Relating to the amount of surplus deposited into the Revenue Shortfall Reserve Fund and providing for an effective date

WV HB113

Prohibiting payment to residential substance use disorder treatment facilities that do not meet certain requirements

WV HB101

Supplementing and amending appropriations to the Department of Health and Department of Human Services

WV SB1013

Prohibiting payment to residential substance use disorder treatment facilities in certain circumstances

WV HB102

Supplementing and amending appropriations to the Department of Transportation, Division of Highways

WV HB108

Supplementing and amending appropriations to the Department of Veterans’ Assistance

WV HB103

Supplementing and amending appropriations to the Governor’s Office – Civil Contingent Fund

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

Write the Laws ActThis bill prohibits an act of Congress from containing any delegation of legislative powers, whether to any component within the legislative branch, the President or any other member of the executive branch, the judicial branch, any agency or quasi-public agency, any state or state instrumentality, or any other organization or individual.The Government Accountability Office must identify to Congress all statutes enacted before the date that is 90 days after this bill's enactment that contain any delegation of legislative power.Any act of Congress, presidential directive, adjudicative decision, rule, or regulation that is enacted 90 days or more after this bill's enactment and is noncompliant with this bill shall have no force or effect.

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.