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HJR 1004

APPLYING TO THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS FOR AN ARTICLE V CONVENTION OF THE STATES FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION TO IMPOSE TERM LIMITS OF MEMBERS FOR THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lincoln Barnett and 36 co-sponsors

Arkansas HJR 1004 seeks an Article V convention limited to proposing term limits for the U.S. Congress; it starts a nationwide process, but does not itself set any limit.

Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HJR 1004

Summary — HJR 1004 (95th Arkansas General Assembly, 2025)

Purpose

HJR 1004 is a joint resolution by the Arkansas General Assembly applying to the U.S. Congress under Article V of the U.S. Constitution for an interstate “Convention of the States” limited to proposing a constitutional amendment to impose term limits on members of the U.S. Congress (both the House of Representatives and the Senate). The resolution does not itself set a numerical term limit; it requests a convention to propose an amendment that would.

Key provisions

  • Official Application: The General Assembly applies to Congress to call an Article V convention limited to proposing an amendment that would set limits on the number of terms a person may be elected to the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate.
  • Scope and Aggregation: The application states it covers the same subject matter as other state applications seeking congressional term limits and directs that it be aggregated with those applications (but not with applications on other subjects).
  • Continuing Application: Declares the application a continuing one under Article V until at least two-thirds of state legislatures have made similar applications.
  • Transmittal duties: Directs the Arkansas Secretary of State to send copies of the application to federal leaders (President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, clerks), the Arkansas congressional delegation, the Chair of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, and presiding officers of other state legislatures, requesting cooperation.

Context and legal basis

  • The resolution cites the U.S. Supreme Court decision in U.S. Term Limits, Inc. v. Thornton, which held that states cannot unilaterally impose qualifications (including term limits) on federal congressional officeholders — only a constitutional amendment can do so.
  • Under Article V, Congress must call a convention for proposing amendments if two-thirds (34) of state legislatures apply on the same subject.

Sponsors and actions

  • Primary sponsors: Representative Ladyman and Senator C. Penzo (among others). Numerous co‑sponsors listed from both chambers.
  • Key dates:
    • Filed: December 12, 2024
    • First read and referred to committee: January 13, 2025
    • Amendments H1 and H2 adopted in February–March 2025
    • Committee returned “Do Pass”: April 1, 2025
    • On April 1, 2025, the resolution failed adoption on the House floor (ballot failed; motion to reconsider failed)
    • Final status: Died on House Calendar at sine die adjournment (May 5, 2025).

Who would be affected / impact

  • If acted on by other states and resulting in either: (a) a successful Article V convention proposal or (b) a congressional proposal followed by ratification by three-fourths of states — the U.S. Constitution could be amended to impose term limits on members of Congress. That would directly change eligibility for congressional office nationwide.
  • As introduced, HJR 1004 itself only seeks to initiate the multi‑state process; it does not change any law or impose term limits without a subsequent amendment ratified under Article V procedures.

Notes

  • The resolution intends a convention limited to a single subject (congressional term limits) and includes language to ensure aggregation only with like applications. It does not specify the form or specific numeric limits of any proposed amendment.

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

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