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Bill

HB 634

AN ACT relating to the selection and oversight of Article V convention commissioners.

2025 Regular Session

Establishes Kentucky's process for selecting and overseeing representatives to a potential federal constitutional amendment convention, clarifying state authority over commissioner conduct and mandate.

to Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (H)
#constitution #u.s. #federallawsandregulations #generalassembly #secretaryofstate #unitedstates
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Bill Summary · HB 634

Legislative bill overview

HB 634 establishes a formal process for selecting and overseeing commissioners who would represent Kentucky in an Article V constitutional convention—a mechanism allowing states to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution without congressional involvement. The bill creates criteria for commissioner selection and specifies how these representatives would be monitored during their participation in such a convention.

Why is this important

Article V conventions are extraordinarily rare events that could substantially reshape federal governance, making the selection and accountability of state representatives critically important. This bill addresses a significant gap in state law: currently, no clear procedures exist for how Kentucky would choose commissioners or ensure they follow legislative intent if a convention were called. The framework Kentucky establishes could influence how other states approach this process.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of convention control: Concerns exist that commissioners might exceed their mandate—an Article V convention could theoretically propose amendments beyond what Kentucky legislators intended, and this bill's oversight mechanisms may be insufficient to prevent this
  • Partisan selection: The bill's method for choosing commissioners could favor one political party, and disputes may arise over whether the selection process adequately represents diverse viewpoints across the state
  • Constitutional uncertainty: Legal scholars disagree on whether state-imposed limitations on commissioners are enforceable under the U.S. Constitution, creating uncertainty about whether this bill's controls would actually work

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

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