Bill > SJR502

This joint resolution applies to the United States Congress for a convention of states under Article V of the Constitution to propose amendments addressing three primary areas: imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government, limiting federal power and jurisdiction, and establishing term limits for members of Congress and other federal officials. The resolution highlights concerns about the federal government's excessive spending, growing national debt, and perceived overreach beyond constitutional boundaries. It requests that Congress call a convention where states would vote on a one-state, one-vote basis, with strict limitations ensuring that only the specified topics can be discussed and that any proposed amendments must be submitted to state legislatures for ratification. The resolution includes several key provisions, such as prohibiting any amendments that would modify the Bill of Rights, allowing state legislatures to provide instructions to and potentially recall their delegates, and specifying that Congress has only a ministerial duty to call the convention when two-thirds of state legislatures submit similar applications. The underlying motivation is to restore what the resolution describes as a proper interpretation of the Constitution and to protect state and individual liberties by providing a constitutional mechanism for states to propose amendments.

Government Affairs

https://sdlegislature.gov/#/Session/Bill/25541