Applies to Congress for Article V Convention of States to require balanced federal budget, impose term limits, and revise method of awarding electoral votes.
Impact
If SCR22 is enacted, it would set a precedent for other states to follow suit, potentially leading to significant constitutional amendments at the federal level. By requiring a balanced budget, it aims to instill fiscal discipline and curb the national debt. The proposed term limits on Congress and Supreme Court Justices are expected to introduce more accountability and fresh perspectives in governance, potentially reducing the entrenchment of long-serving officials within the federal government. Additionally, changes in how electoral votes are allocated could lead to a representation that better reflects the voters' voice, aligning electoral outcomes more closely with the population's actual preferences.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 22 (SCR22) seeks to apply to Congress for the convening of an Article V Convention of States. The bill's objective is to propose amendments to the United States Constitution concerning three main areas: the requirement for a balanced federal budget, the imposition of term limits on members of Congress and Supreme Court Justices, and the revision of the method for allocating electoral votes during presidential elections. The sponsors of this resolution believe these amendments are necessary to address perceived abuses of power by the federal government and restore public confidence in its workings.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SCR22 include concerns over the implications of convening a Convention of States, which some believe could lead to unforeseen changes in the Constitution beyond the intended amendments. Critics argue that such a convention risks opening up the entire Constitution for revision, which could undermine established rights and protections. Additionally, while proponents assert that term limits would bring accountability, opponents counter that such limits may restrict valuable experience in government, which could ultimately hinder effective governance.
Carry Over
Applies to Congress for Article V Convention of States to require balanced federal budget, impose term limits, and revise method of awarding electoral votes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.