Applies to Congress for a Convention of the States
Impact
If passed, HJR3 would pave the way for Texas to join other states in calling for a Convention of the States under Article V of the Constitution. This could lead to significant changes in the structure of federalism in the United States by potentially allowing for constitutional amendments that limit federal power or clarify state authority. As a resolution rather than a traditional bill, HJR3 does not create new law but instead sets the groundwork for Texas's participation in a larger national dialogue about the Constitution and government authority.
Summary
HJR3, titled 'Applies to Congress for a Convention of the States', is a legislative resolution that seeks to call for a convention to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The main intent of HJR3 is to address issues related to federal overreach and to restore certain powers to the states. Proponents believe that a Convention of the States is necessary to rein in what they perceive as an expanding federal government that has become overly intrusive in states' rights and operations.
Contention
However, the bill has garnered a fair amount of debate and contention. Supporters argue that it is a critical mechanism for states to reclaim their authority and ensure that the federal government does not exceed its constitutional limits. On the other hand, critics warn that a Convention of the States could open the door to unintended consequences, including potential amendments that could weaken rights currently protected by the Constitution. Concerns have also been raised about the risk of a runaway convention, where delegates might propose sweeping changes that could fundamentally alter the U.S. Constitution.
JOINT RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING A CONVENTION OF THE STATES UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION (Petitions congress to call a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution to impose restraints on the federal government.)
JOINT RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING A CONVENTION OF THE STATES UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION (Petitions congress to call a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution to impose restraints on the federal government.)
A resolution recognizing the expiration of the Equal Rights Amendment proposed by Congress in March 1972, and observing that Congress has no authority to modify a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment after the amendment has been submitted to the States or after the amendment has expired.
RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.
RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.
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.