Arizona House Bill HCM2010

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/26
• Report DNP: 2/18/26

Caption

Constitutional amendment; U.S. senators; repeal

Impact

The proposed repeal of the seventeenth amendment would inversely affect state laws by re-establishing a system where state legislators, rather than voters, would elect U.S. senators. Advocates believe this approach could restore a balance of power between state and federal government, enhance state representation, and mitigate perceived inefficiencies in the current electoral framework. This shift aims to address ongoing issues that constituents feel are not being effectively managed by their elected federal representatives.

Summary

HCM2010 is a concurrent memorial introduced in the Arizona House of Representatives which urges the United States Congress to propose an amendment to repeal the requirement for the direct election of United States senators. The bill invokes historical precedent where state legislatures originally had the authority to elect senators, thereby enabling a direct influence over federal representation. The proponents argue that reverting to this structure would enhance the responsiveness and accountability of senators to state legislatures and their constituents.

Contention

However, the bill is not without its controversy. Critics claim that moving back to legislative appointments for senators could diminish democratic participation and voter influence in federal elections. This perspective holds that direct election serves as a vital mechanism for accountability and public engagement in governance. Furthermore, opponents may argue that such a drastic change undermines the principles of democratic representation that the United States has upheld since the ratification of the seventeenth amendment, leading to concerns about possible disenfranchisement of voters.