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 Phillip Wheeler

Kentucky would back an Article V constitutional convention to propose amendments for fiscal restraints, limited federal powers, and term limits.

to Committee on Committees (S)

#budgetandfinancialadministration #constitution #u.s. #secretaryofstate #unitedstates

Summary of Bill: SJR 51 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and Intent

SJR 51 is a joint resolution proposing that Kentucky calls for an Article V convention of the United States Constitutional Convention.

The scope of the proposed convention would be to consider amendments that:

Impose fiscal restraints on the federal government.
Limit the powers and jurisdiction of the federal government.
Limit the terms of office for federal government officials and members of Congress.

Key Provisions and Changes Proposed

Formal request to Congress: The resolution would request or require Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to draft amendments within the specified themes.

Scope of amendments: The proposed amendments would target:

Fiscal restraints: Potential limits on federal spending, deficits, or debt management.
Federal powers and jurisdiction: Revisions to the scope of federal authority, potentially curbing federal reach in certain policy areas.
Term limits: Restrictions on how long federal officials and members of Congress can serve.

Constitutional pathway: As a joint resolution, it would align Kentucky with other states seeking to initiate a convention process under Article V, though the resolution itself does not enact amendments but invokes the state’s support for a convention.

Who/What Would Be Affected

State action: Kentucky would officially express support for an Article V convention.

Federal legislative landscape (potential): If enough states join in calling for a convention, the federal government would be obligated to convene a convention per Article V, and any amendments proposed at that convention would require ratification by the states to become part of the U.S. Constitution.

State government: The Kentucky General Assembly and the Governor’s office would engage in the process of pursuing or coordinating with other states on the convention effort.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction: SJR 51 was introduced in the Kentucky Senate on January 22, 2026.

Referral: The bill was referred to the Committee on Committees (S) on the same day.

Next steps (typical): If advanced, the bill would progress through committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the Kentucky Senate and then the Kentucky House of Representatives, before potentially being placed on a statewide ballot or otherwise affecting state action to coordinate with other states (depending on subsequent legislative steps and rules).

Potential Impacts and Considerations

Constitutional and legal considerations: Calling for an Article V convention is a highly debated and controversial constitutional mechanism with questions about scope, process, and the validity of proposed amendments.

Political dynamics: The resolution signals Kentucky’s stance on pursuing constitutional amendments related to fiscal discipline, federal authority, and term limits, which could influence national conversations and inter-state collaboration on the convention effort.

Uncertainties: The actual outcome depends on the number of states supporting a convention, how the convention would be governed, what amendments could be proposed, and ratification by the states.

If you’d like, I can compare SJR 51 to similar resolutions in other states or provide a brief overview of Article V convention mechanics and historical context.