Oklahoma House Bill HJR1015

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

United States Congress; Article V; transmission; continuing application.

Impact

Should HJR1015 be enacted, it would facilitate a concerted effort among states to request a convention aimed at constitutional amendments. This would potentially lead to significant changes in the operational structure of federal governance and the distribution of power between state and federal authorities. The resolution is presented as a means to safeguard state interests and individual liberties from perceived federal abuses, aligning with historical sentiments regarding the balance of state versus federal power.

Summary

HJR1015 is a Joint Resolution from the Oklahoma Legislature that applies to Congress for the calling of a convention of the states under Article V of the United States Constitution. The primary purpose of this convention is to propose amendments to the Constitution that would impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, establish a balanced budget requirement, and limit the power and jurisdiction of federal authorities. The resolution highlights the growing concerns over national debt and federal overreach, arguing that these issues threaten the liberties of states and their citizens.

Contention

Notably, the resolution includes a continuum clause asserting that the applications to Congress remain in effect until two-thirds of states have submitted applications on the same subject. This raises questions about the implications of such a convention, particularly concerning the potential for a range of amendments that could alter the very foundation of federal law. Critics may argue that this could lead to unintended consequences, effectively opening the door for radical changes to the Constitution that would affect various aspects of governance and civil rights widely.