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HCR 45

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION calling on the United States Congress to submit to the states for ratification a balanced budget amendment to the United States Constitution and making a formal application to Congress under Article V of the United States Constitution to call a convention for the sole purpose of proposing for ratification an amendment to the United States Constitution which requires a balanced federal budget.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shane Baker and 14 co-sponsors

Kentucky urges Congress to submit a balanced budget amendment for state ratification and applies under Article V to convene a convention solely to propose a BBA.

returned to Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (H)
#budgetandfinancialadministration #constitution #u.s. #federallawsandregulations #generalassembly #unitedstates
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HCR 45

Overview

HCR 45 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky) is a concurrent resolution in the Kentucky General Assembly that:

  • Calls on the United States Congress to submit to the states for ratification a balanced budget amendment (BBA) to the U.S. Constitution.
  • Applies, under Article V, to Congress to call a convention for the sole purpose of proposing a balanced budget amendment for ratification by the states.

In short, it urges federal action to adopt a BBA and formally requests a constitutional convention limited to proposing such an amendment.

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes Kentucky’s position in favor of a constitutional constraint on federal spending by requiring a balanced federal budget.
  • Initiates a formal process to pursue a nationwide, state-driven amendment via two routes: (1) congressional submission to the states for ratification, and (2) a constitutional convention (under Article V) with the sole purpose of proposing a BBA.

Key Provisions

  • A concurrent resolution directed to the United States Congress urging the submission of a balanced budget amendment to the states for ratification.
  • A formal application to Congress under Article V of the U.S. Constitution requesting a convention of the states to propose a balanced budget amendment, limited to that purpose.
  • Emphasizes that the convention’s scope is restricted to proposing a BBA for ratification by the states (i.e., “sole purpose” language common in calls for a convention).

Note: As a concurrent resolution, it represents the position of both chambers of Kentucky’s General Assembly but does not itself amend the U.S. Constitution.

Who Is Affected

  • Federal government: The resolution targets U.S. Congress and the potential processes they would undertake to consider a balanced budget amendment.
  • Kentucky residents and stakeholders: Indirectly affected through the potential impact of a federal BBA on fiscal policy, budgeting, and federal-state financial dynamics.
  • State legislative process: Demonstrates Kentucky’s formal stance and provides a procedural basis for potential future actions if federal processes advance.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction: January 29, 2026.
  • Referral: Initially to the Committee on Committees (H).
  • Progress: Transferred to the Elections, Constitutional Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs committee (H) on February 3, 2026.
  • 1st Reading: March 13, 2026.
  • Status: Returned to the relevant committee on March 13, 2026 (after initial actions in committee and legislative reading).
  • Nature of action: Non-binding unless and until Congress acts to submit a BBA to the states or a constitutional convention is convened under Article V.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Symbolic and strategic impact: Signals Kentucky’s support for a BBA and for utilizing the Article V convention route.
  • Constitutional pathway: The bill does not itself change federal law; it seeks to influence federal action and establish a formal request for a constitutional convention limited to a balanced budget amendment.
  • Fiscal implications: Any actual policy effects would depend on subsequent federal action and the outcomes of any proposed amendment process.

Summary

HCR 45 is a Kentucky concurrent resolution urging Congress to submit a balanced budget amendment to the states for ratification and formally applying under Article V to convene a convention for the sole purpose of proposing a BBA. It outlines Kentucky’s position and initiates a procedural pathway toward a potential federal constitutional amendment, while remaining non-binding within Kentucky’s state framework.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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