Maryland House Bill HB925

Maryland 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/25
• Refer: 1/31/25

Caption

Amendments Convention Called Under Article V of the U.S. Constitution - Delegation to the Convention

Impact

The bill's passage would significantly affect the structure of state delegation to such conventions. It establishes an advisory committee to assist in the oversight of the delegation, detailing the specific duties, compensation, and procedures for appointing interim commissioners if necessary. The bill ensures that each commissioner swears an oath affirming their commitment to the limitations of their authority during their tenure. This legislative framework aims to provide clarity and structure in the state's participation in convention-related matters.

Summary

House Bill 925 is proposed legislation that outlines the framework for appointing a delegation to an amendments convention called under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The bill mandates that following the necessary number of states invoking this constitutional provision, the General Assembly must appoint a delegation composed of seven commissioners. These commissioners will represent the state at the convention and will be governed by specific qualifications outlined in the bill, including residency and citizen status requirements.

Contention

Notably, House Bill 925 restricts commissioners from voting on any amendments that would alter constitutional guarantees of individual liberty as documented in the U.S. Constitution. This restriction aims to safeguard certain civil liberties from potential amendments that could arise during the convention processes. However, this aspect might lead to debates about what constitutes an 'alteration' and whether this limitation is overly restrictive, potentially causing contention among lawmakers regarding state rights versus federal oversight.