Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SR51

Introduced
3/14/23  

Caption

A Concurrent Resolution directing the Congress of the United States to call for an amendment convention pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States that shall be entitled the Countermand Amendment Convention and limited to proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to grant state legislatures authority to countermand and rescind any mandate issued by any branch of the Federal Government or its agencies that encroaches on states' rights and the personal liberties of their citizens.

Impact

If adopted, SR51 would signify a major shift in the balance of power between federal and state governments, potentially allowing states to reject a wide array of federal mandates. This change could lead to significant legal challenges regarding the authority of state legislatures versus federal agencies, particularly in areas such as healthcare, environmental regulations, and individual rights. The resolution reflects ongoing concerns among certain lawmakers about federal overreach and the perceived erosion of state autonomy.

Summary

SR51 is a Concurrent Resolution that calls on the United States Congress to convene a special amendment convention under Article V of the Constitution. The primary aim of this resolution is to propose a constitutional amendment that would empower state legislatures to countermand or rescind any federal mandate that infringes on states' rights and the personal liberties of their citizens. This proposal highlights a growing tension between federal authority and state governance, as proponents argue that state legislatures should have the ultimate say over decisions that directly affect their residents.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR51 appears mixed, with supporters viewing it as a necessary measure to reclaim state power and safeguard against federal overreach. They argue that empowering state legislatures could enhance democratic representation and protect the rights of citizens at a local level. Conversely, critics caution that such amendments could lead to a fragmented national policy landscape, undermining uniformity and potentially enabling states to bypass essential federal protections.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SR51 include the potential implications for civil liberties and the extent to which states would be able to countermand federal mandates. Critics express concern that allowing states to reject federal laws could set dangerous precedents, enabling discriminatory practices or undermining public health and safety measures. The debate highlights a broader ideological struggle over the interpretation of federalism in the United States and raises questions about the role of state power in a complex governance system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SR118

A Concurrent Resolution directing the Congress of the United States to call for an amendment convention pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States that shall be entitled the Countermand Amendment Convention and limited to proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to grant state legislatures authority to countermand and rescind any mandate issued by any branch of the Federal Government or its agencies that encroaches on states' rights and the personal liberties of their citizens.

PA SR52

A Concurrent Resolution establishing a delegation to represent the Commonwealth at the Amendment Convention pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States entitled the Article V Amendment Convention and limited to proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to grant State Legislatures authority to countermand and rescind any mandate issued by any Branch of the Federal Government or their agencies that encroach on states' rights and the personal liberties of their citizens.

PA SR117

A Concurrent Resolution establishing a delegation to represent the Commonwealth at the Amendment Convention pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States entitled the Article V Amendment Convention and limited to proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to grant State Legislatures authority to countermand and rescind any mandate issued by any Branch of the Federal Government or their agencies that encroach on states' rights and the personal liberties of their citizens.

PA SR77

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States 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 for members of Congress.

PA HR106

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States 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 for members of Congress.

PA HR125

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States 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 for members of Congress.

PA SR112

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States 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 for members of Congress.

PA SJR53

Rescinding every application made at any time by the Legislature of the State of Texas to the United States Congress to call a national convention, pursuant to Article V of the United States Constitution, for proposing any amendment or amendments to that Constitution.

PA HR111

A Concurrent Resolution calling for a convention under Article V of the Constitution of the United States to consider amendments that limit the number of terms that members of Congress may serve.

PA HR66

Urging The Congress Of The United States 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 For Members Of Congress.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.