WV
West Virginia House Bill HCR37

West Virginia 2023 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HCR37

Introduced
2/14/23  

Caption

Proposing to Congress that a convention of states be called

Impact

If enacted, HCR37 would not directly impact state laws but would indicate a collective state-level initiative aimed at amending the Constitution in response to federal financial policies. The resolution articulates a belief that current fiscal irresponsibility threatens economic stability and jeopardizes essential programs like Social Security and Medicare. Many view this as a pressing need to address inflation rates, which have reached a 40-year high of 7.7%, affecting the quality of life for many Americans. By requesting Congress to call a convention, the measure acknowledges the limitations of federal oversight in addressing these issues.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 37 (HCR37), introduced by Delegate Ridenour, seeks to call upon Congress to convene a convention of states for the purpose of proposing amendments to the United States Constitution. This legislative action leverages Article V of the Constitution, which allows states and Congress to propose amendments, emphasizing the necessity of two-thirds of the states making such an application. The resolution reflects growing concerns about federal fiscal policies and the significant increase in the national debt, which has soared from $850 billion in 1979 to over $31 trillion currently, alongside a marked devaluation of the dollar.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR37 appears to be centered on a desire for greater state empowerment and accountability from the federal government. Proponents argue that calling a convention could lead to necessary reforms that would restore fiscal discipline and protect state interests. However, there are concerns about the risks associated with a convention, particularly regarding the potential for unforeseen consequences in the amending process. Debate over this resolution could thus reflect broader concerns about state sovereignty and the proper limits of federal authority.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HCR37 include fears that a constitutional convention could open the door to radical changes that might undermine existing rights and protections, as well as the apprehension among some citizens and legislators about the vagueness and scope of proposed amendments. Additionally, there may be divisions among lawmakers regarding the prioritization of issues to be discussed at such a convention, with differing opinions on whether addressing fiscal policy should be the primary focus. The resolution emphasizes urgency in addressing fiscal irresponsibility but raises broader questions about the future relationship between states and the federal government.

Latest WV HCR37 Activity

View All Events: WV 2023 Regular Session HCR37

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV HCR102

Urging Congress call a convention of the states, under the authority reserved to the states in Article V of the United States Constitution, limited to proposing Amendments to the Constitution of the United States to create fiscal responsibility by and within the federal government.

WV HCR57

Resolution demanding Congress call a Convention of States to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States to create fiscal responsibility by and within the federal government.

WV HCR31

Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention of states

WV SJR1

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.

WV HCR100

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.

WV HCR13

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.

WV HR96

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.

WV HR12

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.

WV HJR2

Applies to Congress for a Convention of the States

WV SR1

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.