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LC 2903

Joint house resolution calling for the repeal of the 17th Amendment

2025 Regular Session

Summary of Legislative Bill LC 2903 OverviewThis joint house resolution calls for the repeal of the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which established the direct election o

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Bill Summary · LC 2903

Summary of Legislative Bill LC 2903

Overview

This joint house resolution calls for the repeal of the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which established the direct election of U.S. Senators by popular vote. If passed, this resolution would return the process for electing U.S. Senators to the original method outlined in the Constitution, where Senators are chosen by state legislatures rather than through a direct popular vote.

Key Provisions

  • Calls for the proposal of a constitutional amendment to repeal the 17th Amendment
  • If the amendment is ratified, U.S. Senators would no longer be directly elected by the people of each state, but would instead be selected by the state legislatures
  • Argues that the repeal of the 17th Amendment would restore the intended balance of power between the federal government and the states as envisioned by the Framers

Potential Impact

  • Significant change to the electoral process for U.S. Senate, shifting power away from direct popular vote and back to state legislatures
  • Could make U.S. Senators more beholden to state political interests rather than their statewide constituents
  • Opponents argue it would undermine democratic principles by reducing the electorate's direct role in choosing Senators
  • Supporters contend it would reinforce federalist principles and state sovereignty as originally intended by the Constitution

Procedural Details

  • This is currently in draft form as a joint house resolution, meaning it would need to pass both the U.S. House and Senate before being sent to the states for ratification as a constitutional amendment
  • The process for ratifying a constitutional amendment requires approval by a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate, as well as ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures
  • If the amendment is ratified, the changes to Senate elections would likely take effect in the next general election cycle following ratification

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

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