Oregon House Bill HB3625

Oregon 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/15/23
• Refer: 5/15/23
• Report Pass: 6/2/23
• Engrossed: 6/15/23
• Refer: 6/16/23
• Report Pass: 6/22/23
• Enrolled: 6/24/23
• Passed: 7/18/23
• Chaptered: 7/26/23
• Passed: 7/26/23

Caption

Relating to applications of the Legislative Assembly for amendment conventions under Article V of the United States Constitution; and prescribing an effective date.

Impact

The enactment of HB 3625 will have significant implications on how the Legislative Assembly approaches future constitutional amendments. By officially withdrawing prior applications, the bill is intended to streamline the process and prevent confusion about Oregon's stance on amendment conventions moving forward. It positions the Legislative Assembly in a way that reflects more contemporary views and circumstances, ensuring that any future applications align with current legislative priorities and public opinion.

Summary

House Bill 3625 seeks to withdraw all previous applications submitted by the Oregon Legislative Assembly for an amendment convention under Article V of the United States Constitution. The bill outlines the historical context of such applications and highlights that previous attempts have not met the required threshold of support from two-thirds of the states. By nullifying these outdated or irrelevant applications, the bill aims to clarify the state's current legislative intent regarding amendment conventions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 3625 appears to be largely positive among legislators who believe it is essential for the Legislative Assembly to reassess its previous positions on amendment conventions. This pragmatic approach is seen as a way to modernize Oregon's legislative strategy. However, there may be underlying concerns from those who view the withdrawal of past applications as a potential loss of legislative opportunities to propose significant amendments to the Constitution.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise as the bill emphasizes the legislative will to effectively nullify outstanding applications. Some may argue against the withdrawal, suggesting that certain applications still hold merit or relevance, thereby enabling states to push for amendments they believe are necessary. The discussion could also touch on the balance between maintaining past legislative efforts versus adapting to current realities, making it a topic of ongoing debate in the Legislative Assembly.