Bill > SJ22

This bill proposes a joint resolution to repeal the 17th Amendment to the US Constitution, which would return the power of selecting US Senators from direct popular election back to state legislatures. The proposed constitutional amendment would restore the original method of Senate selection, where state legislatures would choose senators for six-year terms, with senators primarily representing their state government's interests. Under this proposal, senators would be selected by state legislatures, paid by their respective states, and subject to removal by a majority vote of the state legislature. Each state would be required to establish a liaison committee to work with its senators in evaluating federal legislation, and all proposed congressional legislation and treaties would be submitted to this committee. The bill emphasizes the founders' original intent of creating a system of checks and balances, arguing that the current direct election of senators has diluted state power and increased federal government control. Notably, the resolution would not affect the terms of senators already in office when the amendment becomes valid, and senators would need to have the same qualifications as members of their state's largest legislative chamber. The Montana legislature is urging its Congressional Delegation to propose this constitutional amendment to restore the pre-1913 method of Senate selection.

Government Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3367