Rescinding previous applications for a federal constitutional convention.
Impact
The implication of SJR1 is significant as it represents a clear stance by the California Legislature against the notion of holding a constitutional convention. This move indicates a desire to prevent potential alterations to the Constitution that may arise from a convention, which some legislators perceive as a risk to fundamental rights and legal precedents established over the years. Rescinding these applications may also reflect concerns over the unpredictable nature of outcomes that could arise from a convention where diverse and potentially conflicting amendments could be proposed.
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution No. 1 (SJR1), authored by Senator Wiener, seeks to rescind all previous applications made by the California Legislature for the United States Congress to convene a federal constitutional convention. This resolution acts to nullify and supersede former applications that requested such a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the United States Constitution. The legislation was formally filed with the Secretary of State on September 10, 2025, as CHAPTER 174.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SJR1 appears to be overwhelmingly positive among its proponents, who view the resolution as a protective measure for the integrity of the Constitution. With the unanimous support illustrated by the voting history—68 yeas and 0 nays—it suggests that there is a strong consensus among legislators regarding the importance of safeguarding against a constitutional convention. Nonetheless, the topic itself opens up discussions about the role of state legislatures in influencing national constitutional law.
Contention
Despite the apparent lack of opposition in voting, there remains a latent contention regarding the broader implications of suggesting such a resolution. Critics of constitutional conventions often caution against the potential for unintended consequences, such as radical changes that could emerge from a convention process. The resolution to rescind applications may also serve to quiet fears among constituents and legal scholars who are wary of the potentially irrevocable changes that could reshape American governance.
Resolution Rescinding Previous Applications Of The General Assembly That Called For An Article V Convention To Propose Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States And Directing Transmission Of Such Resolution To Congress For Printing In The Congressional Record.
Applying To The United States Congress For An Article V Convention Of The States For The Purpose Of Proposing An Amendment To The United States Constitution To Impose Term Limits Of Members For The United States Congress.