A joint resolution applying to Congress to call a convention to propose an amendment to the Constitution of the United States

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cal Bahr and 3 co-sponsors

Minnesota would formally request Congress to convene a constitutional convention under Article V to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Referred to Rules and Administration

#government-federal #resolutions

Overview

SF 4651 is a joint resolution that aims to apply to the United States Congress for a constitutional convention (a “convention of states”) under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The bill’s stated purpose is to authorize states to request Congress to call a convention for proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Minnesota is the jurisdiction of this measure.

Purpose and Intent

The central goal is to trigger a process where the U.S. Congress would call a constitutional convention specifically to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

The bill positions Minnesota as a state requesting a national convention to consider changes to the federal Constitution, often framed by proponents as a mechanism to address perceived federal overreach or to advance a conservative/amendment agenda. (Note: the bill itself is a formal procedural step, not an amendment.)

Key Provisions (as introduced)

Formal action requesting Congress to convene a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution.

The measure would serve as a State of Minnesota resolution directing federal action (i.e., to call a convention) rather than altering Minnesota law or state governance directly.

The legislation includes the standard procedural steps for a joint resolution, including referral to a relevant committee (Rules and Administration) and consideration on the floor.

The bill lists multiple co-sponsors, indicating bipartisan or cross-party support among some legislators (see sponsors section below).

Who/What is Affected

State of Minnesota: would issue a formal request to Congress for a constitutional convention.

Federal-State relationship: initiates a process at the national level that, if Congress agrees, could lead to a convention and potential amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

No immediate changes to state law or Minnesota governance occur from the resolution itself; the impact is procedural and constitutional-energizing rather than regulatory within Minnesota.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and first reading occurred on March 23, 2026.

The bill was referred to the Rules and Administration committee, signaling its preferred path for consideration and potential scheduling for floor action.

As a joint resolution, passage would require approval by both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature (as applicable) and would not become law in Minnesota on its own. Instead, it represents Minnesota’s formal position/entreaty to Congress.

Notes and Context

Article V of the U.S. Constitution permits two methods for proposing amendments: a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress or a convention of states called by two-thirds of the state legislatures. SF 4651 explicitly seeks the latter path by requesting Congress to call a convention.

The convention process raises ongoing national policy debates, including concerns about uncontrolled scope, the potential number of amendments, and constitutional safeguards. This summary notes the procedural nature of SF 4651 without endorsing or opposing the constitutional convention concept.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to earlier or similar resolutions in Minnesota or outline potential constitutional considerations and historical context for Article V conventions.

Bill