Bill > HJ25

This joint resolution calls for the repeal of the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which currently allows for the direct popular election of U.S. Senators. The resolution argues that the original constitutional design, where state legislatures selected senators, better preserved the balance of power between state and federal governments. If implemented, the proposed amendment would restore the pre-1913 method of senator selection, with state legislatures choosing senators who would serve six-year terms. The proposed changes include requiring senators to primarily represent their state government's interests, establishing state liaison committees to monitor federal legislation, having states provide senators' salaries and benefits, and allowing state legislatures to remove senators by majority vote. Additionally, the resolution would prevent Congress from legislating the senatorial selection process, leaving that power to individual state legislatures. The Montana legislature is requesting that its congressional delegation propose this constitutional amendment, emphasizing the founders' original intent of creating a system of checks and balances that protects individual state sovereignty and limits federal government power.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2903