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Bill Summary · HJR 379

Legislative bill overview

HJR 379 is a joint resolution in which North Carolina applies to Congress to call a Convention of the States—a constitutional convention mechanism under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The bill authorizes the state to formally petition for such a convention, which would allow delegates from states to propose amendments to the federal Constitution without requiring Congress to initiate the process.

Why is this important

A Convention of the States is a rarely-used but constitutionally-valid pathway to amend the U.S. Constitution that bypasses Congress entirely. If two-thirds of states (34 total) apply for a convention on the same subject, Congress must call one. This represents a significant shift in power from the federal legislative branch to state governments, with potential implications for constitutional amendments on fiscal restraint, federal power limits, or term limits.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope concerns: Critics worry a convention could become a "runaway convention" with no limits on which amendments delegates propose, potentially destabilizing core constitutional protections
  • Partisan application: The Convention of the States movement is heavily supported by conservative groups; opponents view it as an attempt to reshape the Constitution along ideological lines rather than address broad consensus issues
  • Unclear subject matter: The resolution's application language and which specific constitutional changes North Carolina is petitioning for may not be explicitly detailed, raising questions about what issues the state is actually endorsing

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

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