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HJR 51

A JOINT RESOLUTION applying for an Article V convention to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for federal government officials and members of Congress.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Decker and 3 co-sponsors

Kentucky seeks an Article V convention to propose amendments restricting federal spending/ power and imposing term limits on federal officials and Congress.

to Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (H)
#budgetandfinancialadministration #constitution #u.s. #secretaryofstate #unitedstates
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Bill Summary · HJR 51

Overview

  • Bill: HJR 51 (2026RS) – Kentucky Joint Resolution
  • Purpose: Seek an Article V constitutional convention (a “convention of the states”) to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The proposed amendments would impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit federal power and jurisdiction, and limit the terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress.
  • Status: Introduced February 2, 2026; referred to Elections, Constitutional Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (H). Active as an ongoing joint resolution that constitutes a continuing application.

Main Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution asserts that state legislatures are the proper guardians of liberty and that Congress has accumulated debt and intruded on state authority through unfunded mandates.
  • It seeks to use Article V of the U.S. Constitution to convene a convention limited to proposing amendments on three broad themes: 1) Fiscal restraints on the federal government (e.g., reducing spending, debt containment, budget discipline). 2) Limitation of the power and jurisdiction of the federal government (redefining scope of federal authority and sovereignty of states). 3) Limitation of terms for federal officials and members of Congress (term limits).

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Formal request to Congress under Article V to call a convention of the states. The convention would be limited to proposing amendments addressing fiscal restraints, restricted federal power/jurisdiction, and term limits for federal officials and Congress members.
  • Section 2: Directs the Kentucky Secretary of State to transmit copies of the resolution to the President, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Kentucky’s delegation, and presiding officers of other state legislatures to solicit cooperation.
  • Section 3: Declares this Joint Resolution a continuing application, remaining in effect until at least two-thirds of state legislatures have made applications on the same subject.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Affected Entities:
    • Federal level: U.S. Congress, federal officials, and potentially any amendments proposed by a future Article V convention.
    • State level: Other state legislatures that would need to join in applying for a convention; Kentucky’s executive branch would implement transmission duties.
  • Impacts:
    • Creates a pathway for a constitutional convention focused on three specified topics.
    • Does not itself amend the U.S. Constitution; rather, it seeks to initiate a process that could lead to proposed amendments.
    • The feasibility and consequences of an Article V convention are subject to constitutional and political uncertainties, including control of convention rules, possible resolutions, and potential subsequent ratification processes by states.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Mechanism: This is a constitutional “application” under Article V. If enough states (two-thirds of the states) join in similar applications, Congress would be required to call a convention.
  • Continuity: The resolution explicitly states it is a continuing application, remaining in force until the threshold of states applying on the same subject is met.
  • Current Status: As of the action history, the bill has been introduced and referred to a committee. It signals intent to participate in the Article V process but does not guarantee a convention will be called or what specific amendments would emerge.

Notes for Context

  • Article V of the U.S. Constitution provides two methods to propose amendments: by Congress with ratification by states, or by a convention of the states called by two-thirds of state legislatures (as sought here). Amendments proposed at a convention would still require state ratification.
  • Debates surrounding Article V conventions include concerns about scope, governance of the convention proceedings, potential for extraneous amendments, and the complexity of subsequent ratification.

If you would like, I can add a brief comparison of similar resolutions in other states or summarize potential pros and cons usually discussed in relation to Article V conventions.

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

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