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JRH 1

Joint resolution constituting an application for a convention of the States under Article V of the United States Constitution

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Burtt and 8 co-sponsors

Vermont seeks to join a constitutional convention under Article V by urging Congress to call a convention for proposing amendments.

Read first time, treated as a bill, and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs
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Bill Summary · JRH 1

Bill Overview

  • Bill: JRH 1
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Vermont
  • Title: Joint resolution constituting an application for a convention of the States under Article V of the United States Constitution
  • Status: Read first time; referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs (2025-01-29)
  • Sponsors: Multiple cosponsors including Mike Southworth, Debbie Powers, Mark Higley, Mike Tagliavia, Jim Casey, V.L. Coffin, Todd Nielsen, Greg Burtt, and Josh Dobrovich

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill proposes a joint resolution to constitute an application of the State of Vermont to the Congress of the United States for a constitutional convention (a “Convention of States”) under Article V of the U.S. Constitution.
  • In practical terms, the resolution seeks to authorize Vermont to join with other states in formally requesting Congress to call a convention for proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution, as allowed by Article V.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Constitutional Convention Application: The primary substantive provision is an official Vermont call to Congress to convene a constitutional convention for proposing amendments.
  • Location and Scope: While not detailed in the summary provided, such resolutions typically specify that the convention would be limited to amendments proposed by the states, and often pertain to broad issues such as fiscal restraints, term limits, or other constitutional reforms. The exact scope would be defined in the text of the resolution.
  • Affirmation of Process: The resolution would reaffirm Vermont’s position to pursue constitutional amendments through the Article V process, aligning with other states that have passed similar applications.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • State Government: Vermont’s executive and legislative branches would, through the resolution, endorse and participate in the Article V convention process.
  • Policy and Constitutional Reform Stakeholders: Advocates and opponents of constitutional amendments (across political and civic groups) would be engaged, as the move could influence national debates on proposed amendments.
  • Legal/Constitutional Landscape: The action would add Vermont to the growing number of states that have formally applied for a convention, affecting interstate coordination and potential national-level constitutional reform discussions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Initial Step: The bill has been read in the first instance and referred to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs, indicating it will undergo committee review, possible amendments, and subsequent votes.
  • Next Steps (typical): If advanced, the bill would proceed to committee hearings, potential floor debates, and votes in both chambers (as a Vermont joint resolution). If approved by both chambers, it would become an official Vermont application to Congress.
  • Operational Implications: Passage would signal Vermont’s formal support for convening a constitutional convention under Article V, triggering further coordination with other states pursuing similar applications.

Points to Consider for Readers

  • Article V of the U.S. Constitution permits two methods for proposing amendments: (1) two-thirds of both houses of Congress proposing amendments, or (2) two-thirds of state legislatures requesting a convention to propose amendments. This bill uses the latter pathway.
  • The outcomes of such conventions, including what proposals might be considered and how they are limited or controlled, are subjects of substantial debate and constitutional scholarship.
  • The bill’s effectiveness depends on broader interstate action, as many states have adopted similar resolutions, and the total number of active, pending, or repealed applications can influence prospects for an actual convention.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize potential policy implications Vermont residents might consider or compare this bill to similar resolutions in other states.

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

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