SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8003

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Applying for a convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution relating to fiscal restraints on the federal government, the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and terms of office for federal officials and for members of Congress.

Sponsors: Senators Rivers, Takko, Fortunato, Palumbo, Wilson, Angel, Walsh, Miloscia, O'Ban, Brown, Warnick, Honeyford, Rossi, Hobbs and Bailey.

Brief Summary of Joint Memorial

Requests that Congress call a constitutional convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the United States Constitution 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 officials and members of Congress.

Background: Article V of the United States Constitution provides two ways for amending the Constitution. The first method allows Congress to propose an amendment if approved by a two-thirds vote in the House of Representatives and the Senate. The second method requires Congress to call a constitutional convention to propose amendments when requested by two-thirds of the state Legislatures.

Any amendment proposed under either method must be ratified by three-fourths of the state Legislatures in order to become an operative part of the United States Constitution.

Summary of Joint Memorial: The Legislature requests that Congress call a constitutional convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the United States Constitution. Amendments proposed at this convention shall be limited to those 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 officials and members of Congress.