Bill > H3558

This bill amends South Carolina's laws regarding the state's participation in an Article V Convention, a constitutional mechanism that allows states to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The bill establishes comprehensive guidelines for selecting, appointing, and governing commissioners who would represent South Carolina at such a convention. Key provisions include specifying qualifications for commissioners (such as being a U.S. citizen for at least five years, being a registered state voter, and having no recent federal employment or lobbying experience), creating a seven-member delegation with one alternate, and setting strict limitations on commissioners' actions. Commissioners are required to take an oath, cannot vote to change fundamental constitutional protections, and must adhere to specific voting rules, including maintaining the traditional one-state-one-vote principle. An advisory committee composed of legislative members will oversee the commissioners, with the power to provide guidance, monitor their actions, and recommend removal if they act outside their authorized scope. The bill also includes penalties for anyone attempting to bribe, threaten, or obstruct commissioners in their duties, treating such actions as a felony. Ultimately, the legislation provides a detailed framework to ensure that South Carolina's representatives at an Article V Convention act within carefully defined parameters and in the state's best interests.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3558&session=126&summary=B