Alabama 2023 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HJR104

Introduced
4/20/23  

Caption

RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

Impact

If adopted, HJR104 would effectively nullify Alabama's historical applications to Congress for a constitutional convention, responding to evolving public opinion and legislative perspectives. The measure serves both as a withdrawal of prior legislative requests and a caution against the unknown consequences that could arise from attempting to amend the Constitution via a convention. Additionally, it calls upon other state legislatures with similar previous resolutions to reconsider their positions, thereby fostering a broader dialogue about state-level governance and the integrity of constitutional procedures.

Summary

House Joint Resolution 104 (HJR104) seeks to rescind all previous resolutions from the Alabama Legislature that requested Congress to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution. The resolution reflects a growing concern regarding the potential implications and risks inherent in calling a convention, particularly with respect to the uncertainty of the outcomes and the fundamental changes it could impose on the U.S. government and constitutional framework. The resolution argues that a constitutional convention could lead to the drafting of a new constitution altogether, potentially endangering the rights and liberties currently afforded under the original document.

Contention

Debate surrounding HJR104 is steeped in historical context, particularly citing the Founding Fathers' apprehensions about the potential for a constitutional convention to spiral out of control. Prominent figures such as James Madison and Alexander Hamilton expressed significant concerns regarding the risks associated with conventions, including the potential to introduce drastic changes to government operations and civil liberties. This symbolism underlines the resolution's core argument that removing Alabama's support for such conventions is a preventive measure to protect both state sovereignty and citizen rights.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL SB137

Alabama Board of Massage Therapy, terminated pursuant to the Sunset law and replaced by the Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board

AL SB331

Growing Alabama Act, Innovating Alabama Act, Alabama Jobs Act, Innovate Alabama, allow existing communities to qualify for incentives

AL SJR78

Alabama, A State of Character

AL HJR128

Commending Taiwan for its relations with the United States and the State of Alabama

AL HJR66

Urging the Legislature of the State of Alabama to declare a moratorium on capital punishment executions.

AL SB252

Alabama Growth Alliance Bill

AL SJR63

Urging the Trump Administration, the United States Secretary of Defense, and the United States Secretary of the Air Force to establish a permanent headquarters for the United States Space Command at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama

AL HB441

Growing Alabama Act, Innovating Alabama Act, Alabama Jobs Act, Innovate Alabama, allow existing communities to qualify for incentives

AL SJR30

Proclaiming Space Day in Alabama

AL HJR54

General Federation of Women's Clubs Alabama Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC Alabama), commended

Similar Bills

CA AJR27

Convention of states for proposing an amendment to the United States Constitution: federal balanced budget.

AL SJR57

RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

HI SR158

Applying To The United States Congress To Call An Article V Convention To Propose Certain Limited Amendments To The United States Constitution.

HI SCR140

Applying To The United States Congress To Call An Article V Convention To Propose Certain Limited Amendments To The United States Constitution.

HI SCR196

Applying To The United States Congress To Call An Article V Convention To Propose Certain Limited Amendments To The United States Constitution.

HI SR168

Applying To The United States Congress To Call An Article V Convention To Propose Certain Limited Amendments To The United States Constitution.

HI HR97

Urging And Applying To The Congress Of The United States Under The Provisions Of Article V Of The Constitution Of The United States For The Calling Of A Convention Of The States, Limited To Proposing Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States That Limit The Terms Of Office For Officials Of The Federal Government And Members Of Congress.

HI HCR101

Urging And Applying To The Congress Of The United States Under The Provisions Of Article V Of The Constitution Of The United States For The Calling Of A Convention Of The States, Limited To Proposing Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States That Limit The Terms Of Office For Officials Of The Federal Government And Members Of Congress.