West Virginia House Bill HCR31

West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/22
• Refer: 1/27/22
• Report Pass: 3/1/22
• Refer: 3/1/22
• Report Pass: 3/3/22
• Engrossed: 3/4/22
• Enrolled: 3/4/22
• Passed: 3/4/22

Caption

Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention of states

Impact

If enacted, HCR31 would enable state legislatures to assert greater control over federal governance. It proposes that states come together to propose amendments, designed to restore accountability between the government and its constituents. Such changes may lead to significant adjustments to how federal power is structured and exercised, potentially enhancing local governance while mitigating what supporters view as federal overreach.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 31 (HCR31) seeks to initiate a convention for proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The resolution asserts that excessive federal government power has led to a disconnect between officials and the electorate, resulting in policies that serve special interests rather than the public. HCR31 aims to address these concerns by applying to Congress under Article V of the Constitution to consider amendments that would impose fiscal restraints on federal authority, limit its jurisdiction, and set term limits for federal officials.

Sentiment

The public and legislative sentiment surrounding HCR31 appears mixed. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to rein in federal authority and restore power to states, emphasizing the need for accountability in government. Opponents, however, express concern about the risks of a convention potentially being used to propose unforeseen amendments, including those affecting the Bill of Rights, leading to dangerous outcomes.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding HCR31 include debates over the potential consequences of a convention of states, such as the fear that it could jeopardize existing rights by opening the door for comprehensive amendments. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the extent to which Congress can regulate the convention process and ensure that it remains focused on the limited topics proposed by the states.