Bill > SJ22

This joint resolution proposes repealing the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and returning the power of selecting U.S. Senators to state legislatures instead of direct popular election. The resolution argues that the original constitutional design intended state legislatures to choose senators, which would better protect state sovereignty and maintain the founders' vision of checks and balances. Under the proposed amendment, senators would be selected by state legislatures for six-year terms, with the primary duty of representing their state government. The resolution includes provisions for senators to be paid by their state, subject to removal by the state legislature, and requires each state to establish a liaison committee to evaluate federal legislation's impact. Senators would be chosen using the same qualifications required for members of their state's largest legislative chamber, and Congress would be prohibited from legislating the senatorial selection process. The Montana legislature is calling on its Congressional delegation to propose this constitutional amendment, arguing that popular election of senators has diminished federalism and increased federal government power at the expense of individual states.

Government Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

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