Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HCR33

Caption

Urging Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification the "Keep Nine" amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Impact

Should the 'Keep Nine' amendment be ratified, it would have significant implications on federal law regarding the composition of the Supreme Court. By establishing a constitutional requirement for the Supreme Court's size, the amendment would effectively preempt any future legislative efforts by Congress or executive actions that seek to alter the number of justices. This move would serve to fortify judicial independence, ensuring that the Supreme Court remains insulated from political pressures that may arise from changes in the political climate or administration.

Summary

HCR33 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the Texas Legislature urging the United States Congress to propose the 'Keep Nine' amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This proposed amendment aims to maintain the composition of the Supreme Court at nine justices, reinforcing the importance of an independent court system as a crucial element of the checks and balances that protect constitutional rights. The resolution reflects concerns regarding potential alterations to the number of justices that could undermine the court's independence and effectiveness in upholding the law.

Contention

The discussion surrounding HCR33 articulates a broader debate about judicial independence versus political influence in judicial appointments. Proponents of the resolution argue that a fixed composition of nine justices is integral to preserving the integrity of the Supreme Court and minimizing partisanship within the judicial system. Conversely, critics might view this resolution as an unnecessary constraint on Congress, which they believe should retain the flexibility to adjust the court's composition in response to changing values or judicial needs. This contention underscores a fundamental conflict in American governance: the desire for a stable judiciary balanced against the need for judicial adaptability.

Companion Bills

TX SCR9

Identical Urging Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification the "Keep Nine" amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Previously Filed As

TX SCR9

Urging Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification the "Keep Nine" amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

TX HCR82

Urging the U.S. Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification a federal balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

TX HJR2005

A joint resolution urging the United States Congress to propose an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require the Supreme Court of the United States to be composed of nine justices.

TX SJR2001

TX SR112

A resolution urging the United States Congress to propose an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require the Supreme Court of the United States to be composed of nine justices.

TX HCR79

Urging Congress to propose and send to the states for ratification a constitutional amendment to clarify that the states and Congress may reasonably regulate and limit the spending of money to influence campaigns, elections, or ballot measures.

TX SCR28

TX SCR20

Petitions Congress to submit a constitutional amendment to the states relating to campaign finance

TX HR0089

A resolution to affirm the constitutional right of the people of Michigan to propose amendments to the Michigan Constitution and to approve or reject those amendments, including constitutional amendments that impact federal elections, such as Proposal 3 of 2018 and Proposal 2 of 2022.

TX HJR5002

Applying to the United States Congress under Article V of the United States Constitution to call for a convention for proposing an amendment to the constitution establishing congressional term limits.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.