Hawaii House Bill HCR34

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Urging The United States Congress 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 Members Of Congress.

Impact

The resolution lays out concerns about federal executive overreach and the influence of special interests on federal policy-making. By seeking to limit federal power and fiscal irresponsibility, HCR34 aims to bring greater alignment between government actions and the will of the citizens. The proposal emphasizes the benefits of policy decisions being made at the state level, which are typically seen as more attuned to local needs and circumstances, compared to those made by distant federal officials.

Summary

HCR34 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced in the 33rd Legislature of Hawaii in 2025, urging the United States Congress to convene a convention for proposing amendments under Article V of the Constitution. This resolution is focused on proposing specific amendments that would impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit its power and jurisdiction, and establish term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. The intent behind the resolution is to address perceived overreach by the federal government and restore more control to the states and the people.

Contention

There are significant considerations regarding the authority and implications of calling a convention of the states. HCR34 asserts that any such convention must not be able to alter the Bill of Rights, and that procedural matters—such as delegate selection—are to be managed by the states themselves rather than Congress. This aspect introduces potential contention, as critics may argue about the risk of a runaway convention that could inadvertently challenge constitutional liberties. The resolution emphasizes that any amendments should stem from a consensus among at least two-thirds of the state legislatures, which underscores the importance of collaboration among states on this matter.