West Virginia 2025 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HCR75

Introduced
3/4/25  

Caption

To repeal the 16th amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Impact

If passed, HCR75 would not directly alter state laws but would signal a concerted effort to change federal policy concerning income tax. The resolution seeks to aggregate with similar applications from other states to meet the two-thirds requirement for Congress to call a convention. It indicates a significant moment in state-federal relations, particularly regarding taxation, where proponents of the measure believe that state-led initiatives can influence substantial national legislation.

Summary

HCR75 is a resolution from the Legislature of West Virginia applying to and urging Congress to call a convention of the states, as per Article V of the United States Constitution. The primary aim of this resolution is to propose an amendment that would repeal the 16th Amendment, which authorizes Congress to impose income taxes. This effort reflects a push among certain state legislatures to reclaim state rights and reduce federal powers related to taxation.

Sentiment

Sentiment around HCR75 appears to be deeply divided. Proponents argue that repealing the 16th Amendment would lead to a fairer tax system, alleviating excessive federal control over state finances and personal income. Conversely, opponents view this resolution as a misguided attempt to destabilize the established tax framework, fearing it could disrupt essential public services that rely heavily on federal funding from income taxes.

Contention

A notable point of contention within the discussions regarding HCR75 centers around the fiscal implications of repealing the 16th Amendment. Critics contend that the measure could lead to significant revenue shortfalls for federal and state programs, ultimately harming communities reliant on those services. Furthermore, there is concern about the potential for such a convention to spiral into broader discussions that could challenge other established amendments, raising alarms regarding the preservation of individual rights and protections.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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