New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR31

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

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

Impact

If ACR31 is approved, it could initiate a process leading to amendments to the U.S. Constitution aimed at imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government and limiting the jurisdiction and power of federal authorities. This resolution represents a push toward increased state legislative power in matters previously dominated by federal mandates, particularly fiscal policy and governance structures. The resolution underscores a commitment to federalism by affirming the role of state legislatures as guardians of liberty against federal encroachment.

Summary

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 31 (ACR31) proposes an application to the United States Congress for the calling of an Article V Convention of States. The resolution aims to address a growing concern that the federal government has expanded its powers beyond constitutional limits, infringing on the sovereignty of individual states. Proponents argue that this is necessary to uphold the original intent of the Constitution and ensure that states can maintain autonomy against federal overreach.

Contention

Notably, there may be contention surrounding the implications of having a convention that could potentially amend the Constitution. Critics may argue that such a convention could lead to unforeseen changes that might undermine certain rights and protections. Moreover, while the resolution calls for limiting federal power, discussions may arise regarding the potential risks of states becoming too powerful or the difficulty in achieving consensus among states. Additionally, there may be debates about whether immediate amendments are necessary or if a less drastic approach could suffice to address concerns about federal authority.

Companion Bills

NJ SCR15

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

NJ ACR70

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

NJ SCR45

Carry Over 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 SR109

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

HI SR81

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.