Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

Washington Senate Bill SJM8004

Introduced
1/23/23  

Caption

Applying for a convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution relating to fiscal restraints on the federal government, the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit terms of office for federal officials and for members of congress.

Impact

Should SJM8004 be enacted, it could lead to substantial changes in the relationship between state and federal authorities. The proposed amendments would seek to limit the power of the federal government, thereby empowering states to assert more control over their fiscal policies. This has the potential to reshape the balance of power within the United States, leading to a more decentralized governance structure that could allow individual states to better respond to their unique financial challenges and priorities.

Summary

SJM8004 seeks to apply for a convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution. The proposed amendments aim to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, clarify its powers and jurisdiction, and implement term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. This bill is significant as it attempts to address concerns over federal overreach and to enhance the fiscal responsibility of the federal government by advocating for strict controls.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SJM8004 appears to be largely supportive among those who believe in stronger state control and fiscal restraint at the federal level. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step towards curbing federal government excesses. However, it has also faced criticism, particularly from those who are concerned that such a convention might lead to unintended consequences or that it could be used to roll back hard-won protections and rights established at the federal level.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding SJM8004 is the potential risks involved in calling for a constitutional convention. Critics fear that convening such a body might open the door to broader amendments that could undermine civil rights and liberties. Furthermore, there is ongoing debate about whether the state legislature has the authority to initiate such an action without clear guidance on the implications, highlighting the tension between state legislative powers and federal constitutional protections.

Companion Bills

WA HJM4002

Crossfiled Applying for a convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution relating to fiscal restraints on the federal government, the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit terms of office for federal officials and for members of congress.

Previously Filed As

WA HJM4002

Applying for a convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution relating to fiscal restraints on the federal government, the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit terms of office for federal officials and for members of congress.

WA SJM8011

Applying for a convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution relating to fiscal restraints on the federal government, the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit terms of office for federal officials and for members of congress.

WA SJR502

Applying to the United States Congress for a convention of the states to propose amendments to the United States Constitution regarding the imposition of fiscal restraints on the federal government, further limiting the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limiting the terms of office for members of Congress and other federal officials.

WA SJR503

Applying for a convention of states under Article V of the Constitution of the United States, to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office for members of Congress and other federal officials.

WA SJR508

Applying for a convention of states under Article V of the Constitution of the United States, to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office for members of Congress and other federal officials.

WA HJR5005

Applying for a convention of states under Article V of the Constitution of the United States, to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress.

WA SJR78

A JOINT RESOLUTION applying for an Article V convention to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for federal government officials and members of Congress.

WA SJR58

A JOINT RESOLUTION applying for an Article V convention to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for federal government officials and members of Congress.

WA HJR4

A JOINT RESOLUTION applying for an Article V convention to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for federal government officials and members of Congress.

WA SJR84

A JOINT RESOLUTION applying for an Article V convention to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for federal government officials and members of Congress.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.