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Bill

Bill

S 8166

Establishing a legislative commission on article V conventions of the states

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Chan and 1 co-sponsor

Bill S 8166 creates a commission to evaluate the risks and benefits of state-led Article V conventions, engaging legislators and the public for informed recommendations.

REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
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Bill Summary · S 8166

Summary of Bill S 8166

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: S 8166
  • Title: Establishing a Legislative Commission on Article V Conventions of the States
  • Status: Referred to Investigations and Government Operations
  • Introduced: May 16, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 8166 aims to establish a legislative commission that will explore and evaluate the implications of Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which allows states to convene for the purpose of proposing amendments. The primary intent of the bill is to assess the feasibility, risks, and potential benefits of calling for a convention of states, as well as to provide recommendations for the state legislature regarding this process.

Key Provisions

  • Creation of a Commission: The bill proposes the formation of a commission composed of state legislators and experts in constitutional law, governance, and public policy.
  • Mandate: The commission will be tasked with:
    • Researching the historical context and legal framework surrounding Article V conventions.
    • Analyzing the potential outcomes and implications of a state-led convention.
    • Engaging with stakeholders, including legal experts, civic organizations, and the public, to gather diverse perspectives.
    • Reporting findings and recommendations to the state legislature.

Who Would Be Affected

  • State Legislators: Members of the state legislature will be directly involved in the commission's activities and will receive the final report.
  • Legal Experts and Scholars: The commission may engage with constitutional law experts who will provide insights and analysis.
  • Civic Organizations and the Public: The commission's outreach efforts will include public forums and discussions, allowing citizens to voice their opinions and concerns regarding a potential convention.

Procedural Aspects

  • Referral: The bill was referred to the Investigations and Government Operations committee on the date of its introduction, May 16, 2025. This committee will review the bill and determine its next steps in the legislative process.
  • Related Legislation: The bill is related to prior-session Bill S 9200 and has a companion bill, A 8935, which may address similar issues or objectives.

Conclusion

Bill S 8166 represents a significant step towards understanding the implications of Article V conventions at the state level. By establishing a dedicated commission, the bill seeks to ensure that any future actions regarding a convention are informed, transparent, and reflective of the interests of the state's citizens. The outcome of this commission could influence the state's approach to constitutional amendments and governance in the future.

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

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