Bill > HB8

This bill establishes comprehensive guidelines for selecting, managing, and overseeing delegates to a potential Article V Convention for proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The legislation creates detailed qualifications for delegates, including requirements that they be U.S. citizens for at least five years, Virginia residents, over 25 years old, and without recent felony convictions or significant federal government experience. The bill mandates that delegates be selected by a resolution from both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly, maintain an odd number of representatives, and be subject to immediate recall by the legislature or an advisory committee. Delegates must take a specific oath and are strictly prohibited from voting to change the one-state-one-vote rule or alter fundamental constitutional protections related to individual liberties. The bill establishes an advisory committee to monitor delegate actions and provides severe penalties, including a Class 5 felony, for delegates who exceed their authorized scope or for individuals who attempt to interfere with delegates' duties. Additionally, delegates are restricted from accepting significant gifts, must maintain confidentiality about internal deliberations, and can only communicate with media through a designated spokesperson. The legislation aims to ensure that Virginia's delegates to any potential constitutional amendment convention are tightly controlled and accountable to the state legislature.

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB8