Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR15

Introduced
2/13/23  
Refer
2/16/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

The resolution posits that the current structure allows federal officials to be heavily influenced by lobbyists and special interests, diminishing their accountability to the populace. By seeking to limit terms for federal representatives, HCR15 aims to enhance legislative accountability and reduce the risk of entrenched political careers that may disconnect representatives from their constituents. This aligns with growing sentiments among some lawmakers and the public regarding the need for reforms in federal government practices.

Summary

HCR15 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii, which urges and applies to the Congress of the United States for a convention of the states. The proposed convention would be limited to discussing amendments to the Constitution aimed at imposing term limits on federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution highlights concerns about the concentration of power in the federal government and seeks to restore government responsiveness to the will of the people by empowering states to propose amendments.

Contention

While proponents argue that HCR15 is essential for restoring democratic principles and ensuring government remains answerable to the public, opponents may express concerns regarding the implications of calling a convention of states. The risks of unintended consequences, such as broader discussions that could lead to unwanted amendments to the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, have been expressed. The resolution explicitly states it does not authorize any alterations to the Bill of Rights, aiming to mitigate these concerns.

Companion Bills

HI HR15

Same As 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.

Similar Bills

CA AJR27

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

TX SJR1

Urging the Congress of the United States to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States and, in the event that Congress does not submit such an amendment on or before December 31, 2011, applying to Congress to call a convention for the specific and exclusive purpose of proposing an amendment to that constitution to provide, in the absence of a national emergency and on a two-thirds vote of Congress, for a federal balanced budget and requesting that the legislatures of each of the several states that compose the United States apply to Congress to call a convention to propose such an amendment.

AL HJR104

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

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.

NJ AJR97

Urges U.S. Congress to pass Equal Rights Amendment.

AZ HCR2041

Congressional term limits; convention

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.

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.