United States Constitution; application for a convention of the states.
Impact
If SJR235 is enacted, it could lead to significant legislative implications as it calls for a convention limited to discussing amendments that address specific areas such as federal fiscal policies, limitations on federal powers, and establishing term limits for Congress. This could initiate a substantial shift in the balance of power between state and federal governments, promoting a resurgence of state rights that might alter the dynamics of legislative authority at both levels.
Summary
SJR235 seeks to apply for a convention of the states with the intent of proposing amendments to the United States Constitution. The bill highlights the growing concern over what is perceived as an overreach of federal authority, emphasizing the need for states to reclaim their rights and impose fiscal restraints on the federal government. The bill expresses a strong belief that the current federal government has strayed from constitutional principles, drawing attention to issues such as national debt and federal mandates that it argues are both excessive and unfunded.
Contention
The proposal for a convention of the states is not without its controversies. Critics argue that allowing a convention could lead to unintended amendments that might threaten the Bill of Rights or other foundational aspects of the Constitution. There is also apprehension surrounding the potential for a 'runaway convention' where delegates might diverge from the original mandate of proposing fiscal and governance reforms, thereby complicating the safeguarding of individual rights enshrined in the Constitution. These concerns highlight the delicate balance between state action and federal authority that SJR235 aims to navigate.
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.
RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.
RESCINDING ALL PREVIOUS RESOLUTIONS OF THE ALABAMA LEGISLATURE WHICH REQUEST CONGRESS TO CALL A CONVENTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.
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.