TX
Texas House Bill HJR98
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
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Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HJR98

Filed
11/18/24  
Out of House Committee
4/15/25  
Voted on by House
4/28/25  
Out of Senate Committee
5/6/25  
Voted on by Senate
5/8/25  

Caption

Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.

Impact

If HJR98 is acted upon and a convention is called, it could lead to significant implications for federal and state dynamics. The amendments sought through this resolution would likely aim at reducing the national debt and curbing what supporters describe as abusive spending habits of the federal government. Moreover, there would be clearer limitations on federal authority, allowing for greater state rights and autonomy in governance, fundamentally altering the interplay between state and federal powers in the United States legal framework.

Summary

HJR98 is a joint resolution from the Texas Legislature proposing an application to the United States Congress to call a convention under Article V of the US Constitution. The primary aim of this resolution is to propose amendments that would impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit its power and jurisdiction, and set term limits for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution emphasizes the belief that state legislatures have a duty to act as guardians of liberty against federal overreach, especially regarding fiscal responsibility and state rights.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HJR98 appears to be highly polarized. Supporters advocate that limiting federal power is a necessary step to protect state interests and promote responsible governance. They argue that excessive federal influence can hinder local autonomy and result in unfunded mandates that adversely affect state budgets. Conversely, opponents of the resolution may view it as a vehicle for promoting an overly aggressive agenda against federal governance, fearing it may destabilize important federal programs and protections in various sectors including healthcare and public safety.

Contention

One notable point of contention revolves around the legitimacy and practicality of calling a convention under Article V. Critics warn of the risks involved in opening the Constitution to amendments, particularly concerning the unpredictable nature of a constitutional convention. There are concerns regarding potential unintended consequences that could arise from broad amendments proposed in a convention setting, including the risk of eroding fundamental rights and protections currently in place.

Companion Bills

TX SJR54

Very Similar Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.

Previously Filed As

TX SJR54

Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.

TX SCR98

Urging The United States Congress To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments That Impose Fiscal Restraints On The Federal Government, Limit The Power And Jurisdiction Of The Federal Government, And Limit The Terms Of Office For Its Officials And Members Of Congress.

TX HCR80

Urging The United States Congress To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments That Impose Fiscal Restraints On The Federal Government, Limit The Power And Jurisdiction Of The Federal Government, And Limit The Terms Of Office For Its Officials And Members Of Congress.

TX HCR34

Urging The United States Congress To Call A Convention For Proposing Amendments Pursuant To Article V Of The United States Constitution Limited To Proposing Amendments That Impose Fiscal Restraints On The Federal Government, Limit The Power And Jurisdiction Of The Federal Government, And Limit The Terms Of Office For Its Officials And Members Of Congress.

TX SJR502

Applying to the United States Congress for a convention of the states to propose amendments to the United States Constitution regarding the imposition of fiscal restraints on the federal government, further limiting the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limiting the terms of office for members of Congress and other federal officials.

TX SJR503

Applying to the United States Congress for a convention of the states to propose amendments to the United States Constitution regarding the imposition of fiscal restraints on the federal government, further limiting the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limiting the terms of office for members of Congress and other federal officials.

TX HR125

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the Federal Government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the Federal Government and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.

TX SR112

A Concurrent Resolution petitioning the Congress of the United States to call a Convention for proposing amendments pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the Federal Government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the Federal Government and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.

TX HJR51

A JOINT RESOLUTION applying for an Article V convention to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for federal government officials and members of Congress.

TX SJR58

A JOINT RESOLUTION applying for an Article V convention to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for federal government officials and members of Congress.

Similar Bills

TX SJR54

Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.

US SB60

Write the Laws ActThis bill prohibits an act of Congress from containing any delegation of legislative powers, whether to any component within the legislative branch, the President or any other member of the executive branch, the judicial branch, any agency or quasi-public agency, any state or state instrumentality, or any other organization or individual.The Government Accountability Office must identify to Congress all statutes enacted before the date that is 90 days after this bill's enactment that contain any delegation of legislative power.Any act of Congress, presidential directive, adjudicative decision, rule, or regulation that is enacted 90 days or more after this bill's enactment and is noncompliant with this bill shall have no force or effect.

NJ AJR91

Urges Congress to call constitutional convention to consider reproductive health care rights.

SC S1054

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AZ HCR2041

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HI SR81

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

MS HB1056

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AZ HB2188

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