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HB 1499

Constitutional Conventions - As enacted, revises faithful delegate laws pertaining to Article V conventions. - Amends TCA Title 3, Chapter 18.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jay Reedy

HB 1499 loosens Tennessee's restrictions on how delegates can act at Article V constitutional conventions, potentially granting them greater independent authority.

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Bill Summary · HB 1499

Legislative bill overview

HB 1499 modifies Tennessee's laws governing "faithful delegate" requirements for Article V constitutional conventions. Article V conventions allow states to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution, and "faithful delegate" laws restrict how state delegates can vote or act at such conventions. This bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 3, Chapter 18 to revise these restrictions.

Why is this important

Article V conventions remain rare and constitutionally contentious—no successful convention has occurred since 1787. How states regulate delegate behavior directly affects whether a convention could occur and what constraints would apply to delegates' authority. Tennessee's changes could influence the feasibility and scope of future constitutional amendment efforts.

Potential points of contention

  • Delegate autonomy vs. state control: Relaxing faithful delegate requirements may grant delegates more independent authority, raising concerns about whether state legislatures maintain sufficient control over delegates' actions at a national convention.
  • Scope of convention authority: Disputes could arise over whether changes enable delegates to address topics beyond what the originating application specified, potentially leading to a "runaway convention."
  • Partisan implications: Article V convention proposals have historically aligned with different political priorities; changes to delegate restrictions may be perceived as advantaging particular ideological movements or constitutional amendments.

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

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