Louisiana House Bill HCR59

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/30/10
• Refer: 3/31/10
• Report Pass: 6/3/10
• Engrossed: 6/9/10
• Refer: 6/10/10

Caption

Applies to congress to call a convention pursuant to Article V of the U.S. Constitution to propose an amendment regarding a requirement that bills be confined to a single object and a prohibition on amendments that are not germane to the bill as introduced (EG GF EX See Note)

Impact

If enacted, HCR59 would require Congressional action to convene a constitutional convention to further consider the proposed amendment. This resolution establishes a framework by which individual states can submit applications for a convention, with the aim of addressing the issue of excessive legislative bundling. Such an amendment could lead to significant changes in how laws are structured and passed at both the state and federal levels, promoting clarity and specificity in legislative processes. Additionally, the resolution stipulates that this application to Congress may be rescinded at any time prior to Congress receiving sufficient applications from other states.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 59 (HCR59) seeks to apply to Congress for the calling of a convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The primary objective of this resolution is to propose an amendment that mandates legislative bills to be confined to a single subject and to prohibit any amendments that are not directly related to the original content of the bill. This proposal reflects a growing concern over the perceived complexity and lack of transparency in the legislative process, where bills often contain unrelated provisions that complicate the lawmaking procedure.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR59 is somewhat divided. Proponents argue that it is a necessary reform aimed at enhancing government accountability and ensuring that legislators address issues individually rather than conglomerating several matters into one bill. They view it as a fundamental reform to restore integrity in the legislative process. Alternatively, critics fear that the call for a convention could open the door to unintended changes to the Constitution and lead to further complications in laws through contentious debates and disagreements.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns about the potential ramifications of convening a constitutional convention. There are fears that this process could be manipulated, potentially allowing for broader amendments that may not align with the original intent of HCR59. The resolution sets clear provisions for delegate selection and authority during the convention, which advocates argue will mitigate some risks. However, critics remain wary of the unpredictable nature of a convened assembly where multiple state interests and perspectives could clash, possibly altering foundational constitutional principles.