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HF 769

A resolution memorializing Congress to call a convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution to impose fiscal constraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Anderson and 15 co-sponsors

Minnesota seeks to urge Congress to call an Article V constitutional convention to pursue fiscal restraints, federal power limits, and term limits.

Authors added Novotny and Bennett
#governmentaloperations-federal #resolutions
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 769

Summary: HF 769 (Minnesota) — Memorializing Congress to Call a Constitutional Convention for Fiscal Restraints and Federal Reform

Overview

HF 769 is a concurrent resolution instructing or memorializing the United States Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The proposed convention would address three overarching themes:
- Imposing fiscal constraints on the federal government
- Limiting the power and jurisdiction of the federal government
- Limiting the terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress

As a memorialization, the bill seeks to urge federal action rather than create binding state law. If adopted, it signals Minnesota’s legislative stance in favor of constitutional reform via a national convention.

Purpose and Intent

  • To encourage the federal government to convene a constitutional convention (per Article V of the U.S. Constitution) for the purposes listed.
  • To advocate for fiscal constraints on federal spending and deficits.
  • To seek limits on federal government powers and jurisdiction.
  • To pursue term limits for federal elected officials and maybe federal officials (as framed by the bill).

Key Provisions and Changes

  • State Action: The bill is a resolution memorializing Congress; it does not by itself amend the U.S. Constitution or create federal law.
  • Policy Goals:
    • Fiscal Restraints: Promotes amendments aimed at controlling federal spending, debt, and deficits, potentially including balanced-budget requirements or similar fiscal discipline mechanisms.
    • Federal Power/Scope Limits: Seeks amendments that would narrow federal authority or jurisdiction, potentially restricting federal programs or regulatory reach.
    • Term Limits: Calls for amendments that would impose term limits on members of Congress and possibly certain federal officials.
  • Process House/Senate: As a memorialization, the bill would pass through Minnesota’s legislative chambers and, if adopted, be transmitted to the U.S. Congress for consideration of a convention call.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • State Level: Minnesota state government would formally express support for a constitutional convention with the stated aims.
  • Federal Dimension: The action targets federal constitutional reform via an Article V convention; the actual impact depends on Congress and the ensuing convention’s deliberations.
  • Non-Binding Nature: The resolution itself does not change federal law or constitutional text; it is a formal recommendation to Congress.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral: The bill was introduced and referred to the State Government Finance and Policy committee.
  • Sponsors: Multiple House members across a broad coalition, including a list of co-sponsors (e.g., Walter Hudson, Peggy Bennett, Mary Franson, Shane Mekeland, Steve Jacob, Paul Novotny, Duane Quam, etc.).
  • Action History Milestones (selected):
    • 2025-02-13: Introduction and first reading; referred to State Government Finance and Policy.
    • 2025-02 to 2025-03: Series of author additions and co-sponsor enrollments.
    • 2025-03-12 to 2025-03-13: Additional author and sponsorship activity noted.
  • Next Steps: If the resolution advances, it would proceed through committee hearings and floor votes in Minnesota’s House (and possibly Senate if a companion bill exists) to effectuate a formal memorialization to Congress.

Remarks

  • As a memorialization, HF 769 is a symbolic and political statement rather than a binding legal measure. Its primary function is to express Minnesota’s support for a national convention focused on fiscal, power/authority, and term-limit reforms to the U.S. Constitution.
  • The success of the bill in prompting a constitutional convention depends on congressional action and the broader national political process surrounding Article V conventions.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize the exact language proposed (once available) or compare HF 769 to similar resolutions in other states.

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

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