Summary — SJR 58 (A Joint Resolution applying for an Article V convention / ceremonial acknowledgment)
Status snapshot
- Bill number: SJR 58
- Introduced: Feb 25, 2025
- Committee referral(s): State & Local Government; later State Affairs / Rules (Senate); House Rules (after transmittal)
- Legislative actions: First read Mar 6, 2025; reported from Rules; enrolled Apr 9, 2025; delivered to Governor Apr 10, 2025; enacted Apr 16, 2025.
- Companion: HJR 156
Purpose and intent
- Primary substantive purpose (per text included in the bill packet): to apply, under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, for a “convention of the states” limited to proposing amendments that (1) impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, (2) limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and (3) limit terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress.
- Secondary content in the enrolled materials: the enrolled version also contains a ceremonial joint resolution recognizing the Alabama Grocers Association on its 35th anniversary. (See “Notes on document inconsistencies” below.)
Key provisions (Article V application portion)
- State application: The legislature applies to the U.S. Congress for an Article V convention limited to proposing amendments on the three topics listed above.
- Continuation clause: The resolution states it is a “continuing application” under Article V until at least two-thirds of state legislatures (currently 34) have made applications on the same subject.
- Administrative direction: Directs the state’s Secretary of State to transmit copies of the resolution to U.S. congressional leaders, the state’s U.S. House and Senate delegation, and presiding officers of the other state legislatures, requesting their cooperation.
Who would be affected
- Directly: federal institutions and officeholders if a convention proposed and Congress/ratifying states adopted amendments changing fiscal rules, federal jurisdiction, or term limits.
- Indirectly: state governments, taxpayers, federal programs and beneficiaries, and state legislatures (which would be part of the Article V mobilization process).
- Procedural effect: the resolution itself does not change federal law or the Constitution; it is a state application to initiate the Article V convention process.
Procedural/timeline aspects
- Article V process requires applications by at least two-thirds of state legislatures to compel Congress to call a convention. Any amendments proposed by such a convention would require ratification by three-fourths of the states (38) to become part of the Constitution.
- The resolution declares the application remains in effect until the 2/3 threshold is met.
Notes on document inconsistencies
- The enrolled packet includes two distinct texts: (A) a ceremonial Alabama resolution honoring the Alabama Grocers Association’s 35th anniversary, and (B) an Article V application text that at points refers to the “General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky” (suggesting insertion of an out‑of‑state template). Readers should verify the official enrolled and enacted text on the state legislature’s website or the Secretary of State’s office to confirm which provisions were adopted for this specific SJR 58.
Practical impact
- As adopted by one state, the resolution is a formal step toward triggering a convention of states but has no immediate legal effect on federal policy. If adopted by enough states, an Article V convention could propose sweeping constitutional changes; any proposed amendments would still require ratification by 38 states to take effect.
