Hawaii House Bill HCR100

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/14/22

Caption

Urging The Congress Of The United States 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 For Members Of Congress.

Impact

If enacted, HCR100 would signal Hawaii's intention to join a broader movement among states advocating for a limited convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. This could have significant implications for the balance of power between state and federal governments. By proposing amendments that would impose fiscal restraints, the resolution aims to provide states with more authority to respond effectively to their constituents' needs without undue federal interference, potentially reshaping the fiscal landscape of the nation.

Summary

HCR100 urges the Congress of the United States to call for a convention aimed at proposing amendments to the Constitution, focusing on fiscal restraints on federal spending, limits on the federal government's power and jurisdiction, and term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution emphasizes concerns about executive overreach and the growing influence of unaccountable federal bureaucrats. The lawmakers believe that decisions made at the state level are more in tune with the needs of the citizens, as opposed to the decisions at the federal level affected by lobbyists and special interests.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding HCR100, particularly regarding the authority of Congress in the context of an Article V convention. Proponents argue that Congress' role should be strictly to facilitate the calling of such a convention without imposing rules or limitations, while opponents express concern about the potential for constitutional changes that could arise from such conventions. Additionally, there is apprehension regarding the implications of limiting the terms of office of federal legislators and how this could influence federal governance.

Additional_notes

The resolution includes specific reservations, ensuring that any amendments discussed would not infringe upon the Bill of Rights. Furthermore, HCR100 directs the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to study the potential impacts of such federal fiscal constraints on Hawaii's economy, indicating a proactive approach to understanding how these changes could affect state governance.