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SJM 8011

Applying for a convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution relating to fiscal restraints on the federal government, the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit terms of office for federal officials and for members of congress.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Boehnke and 5 co-sponsors

Urges Congress to call a limited Article V convention of the states to propose amendments on fiscal restraint, reduced federal power, and term limits, with state-controlled delegates.

First reading, referred to State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections.
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Bill Summary · SJM 8011

Summary of SJM 8011 — Washington Joint Memorial

Overview

SJM 8011 is a Senate Joint Memorial in the Washington State Legislature (First Reading, referred to State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections) introduced on January 30, 2025. As a memorial, it expresses the state’s intent to urge action at the federal level rather than create state-law changes. The memorial seeks to initiate a “convention of the states” under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to propose amendments addressing fiscal restraint, federal power and jurisdiction, and term limits for federal officials and members of Congress.

Purpose

  • To apply to Congress to call a convention of the states (per Article V) limited to proposing amendments that:
    • impose fiscal restraints on the federal government,
    • limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and
    • limit terms of office for federal officials and for members of Congress.
  • To ensure the application is subject to specified reservations and understandings that govern the convention process and its scope.

Key Provisions and Reservations (provisions are binding on the process, not Washington law)

1) Congress’s role is strictly ministerial: it may call a convention and set a reasonable time and place for the initial meeting.
2) Trigger for Congress: Congress should call the convention only after receiving substantially similar applications from two-thirds of state legislatures.
3) Delegation and rules: Congress cannot set rules for the convention, determine the number of delegates, or name delegates; state legislatures retain that power.
4) One state, one vote: an amendment convention of the states must operate on a one-state–one–vote basis.
5) Scope and limits: the convention is limited to the topics listed (no consideration of other topics) and may not consider any amendment altering the Bill of Rights.
6) Ratification method: Congress decides how proposed amendments will be ratified; Washington recommends ratification by the state legislatures (not by conventions).
7) State control and accountability: Washington may provide further instructions to its delegates and may recall them for breach of duty or violation of instructions.
8) Continuity: the memorial constitutes a continuing application until two-thirds of state legislatures have applied on the same subject.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Washington State Legislature (as the submitting body of the memorial and potential source of delegates/instructions).
  • Indirect: the people of Washington and, more broadly, the states that participate in any Article V convention, along with federal lawmakers and agencies if a convention is called.

Procedural/Timeline Aspects

  • Status: First reading; referred to State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections.
  • Timeline: No fixed date to trigger a convention; hinges on two-thirds of state legislatures submitting similar applications.
  • Nature of action: A continuing, non-binding memorial urging Congressional action; does not authorize spending or create immediate legal requirements.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • If two-thirds of states submit similar applications, Congress would be obligated to call a convention limited to the specified topics; outcomes could include proposed amendments with wide-ranging constitutional implications.
  • The memorial emphasizes state control over delegates and a one-state-one-vote convention framework, while advising Congress on ratification method.
  • This is a policy statement of intent rather than a statute, and the political and legal implications of an Article V convention are widely debated.

Next Steps

  • If the bill advances, committee debate and potential amendments would shape its final form and any accompanying instructions for delegates or ratification preferences.

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

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