New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR70

Introduced

1/11/22

Refer

1/11/22

Caption

Applies to Congress for an Article V Convention of States to limit certain powers of the federal government and terms of office.

Impact

Should ACR70 be enacted, it would catalyze a significant shift in the way state and federal powers are balanced. By invoking Article V of the U.S. Constitution, New Jersey aims to initiate a national conversation about the limits of federal authority and create mechanisms for states to reclaim certain powers. The resolution presents an opportunity for states to unite in their efforts to address what they perceive as excesses by the federal government, potentially leading to constitutional amendments that could reshape federal-state dynamics.

Summary

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 70 (ACR70) is a measure proposed in New Jersey that seeks to apply to the United States Congress for the calling of an Article V Convention of States. The primary intent of ACR70 is to limit certain powers of the federal government, impose fiscal restraints, and establish term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. This resolution reflects a growing sentiment among certain state legislators who believe that the federal government has overstepped its bounds and that states should have more authority to safeguard their own sovereignty.

Contention

The proposal comes with its share of controversy. Proponents argue that it is a necessary step to rein in federal overreach and to address concerns about the national debt and unfunded mandates that they believe infringe on state governance. Critics, however, caution against the risks of a constitutional convention, citing fears that it could open the floodgates to unintended consequences and alterations of the Constitution that could further dilute civil liberties and state rights. The debate surrounding ACR70 thus reflects a broader national tension regarding the scope and limits of government authority at both the federal and state levels.

Latest ACR70 Activity

Companion Bills

NJ SCR45

Same As Applies to Congress for an Article V Convention of States to limit certain powers of the federal government and terms of office.

Similar Bills

CA AJR27

Convention of states for proposing an amendment to the United States Constitution: federal balanced budget.

AL SJR57

RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

AL HJR104

RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

US SR107

A resolution recognizing the expiration of the Equal Rights Amendment proposed by Congress in March 1972, and observing that Congress has no authority to modify a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment after the amendment has been submitted to the States or after the amendment has expired.

NJ AJR207

Urges Congress to call constitutional convention to consider reproductive health care rights.

TX 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.

HI HR97

Urging And Applying To The Congress Of The United States Under The Provisions Of Article V Of The Constitution Of The United States For The Calling Of A Convention Of The States, Limited To Proposing Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States That Limit The Terms Of Office For Officials Of The Federal Government And Members Of Congress.