Hawaii House Bill HCR64

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/9/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

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, HCR64 could facilitate a shift in the balance of power between state and federal governments. It underscores a growing sentiment among certain state legislators that federal authority has grown excessively while the states' rights and responsiveness have waned. Through this resolution, Hawaii seeks to promote a more responsible fiscal policy at the federal level while also advocating for increased state autonomy against unjust federal mandates that often go unfunded.

Summary

HCR64 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii that urges the United States Congress to call for a convention to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The proposed amendments would focus on imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government, limiting its power and jurisdiction, and setting term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. This resolution stems from the belief that recent practices at the federal level have seen an overreach in authority, particularly through executive orders, and a declining accountability of federal officials to the populace.

Contention

The resolution reflects an ongoing debate surrounding the appropriate limits of federal authority. Supporters of HCR64 argue that the imposition of fiscal restraints on federal spending is crucial for addressing the national debt and ensuring that states have the flexibility to manage their affairs without federal interference. Critics, however, may contend that such measures could undermine the role of the federal government, emphasizing that a strong federal presence can benefit state interests and protect against local disparities. The resolution's language that explicitly restricts the scope of potential amendments, such as ensuring that no changes to the Bill of Rights are considered, also indicates a careful navigation of potential divisive issues.

Overall_context

HCR64 operates within a larger national conversation about constitutional amendments and the use of Article V of the Constitution to rectify perceived imbalances in governmental authority. By proposing an amendment convention limited to specific topics, Hawaii positions itself as a proactive state seeking reforms that reflect its constituents' interests while affirming state sovereignty within the federal system.