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HR 5385

JOINT RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING A CONVENTION OF THE STATES UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jon Brien and 1 co-sponsor

Rhode Island requests a constitutional convention of states to propose amendments, bypassing Congress but raising concerns about scope and unintended consequences.

02/27/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HR 5385

Legislative bill overview

HR 5385 is a joint resolution requesting that Rhode Island formally call for a Convention of the States under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. This convention mechanism allows states to propose amendments to the federal Constitution without congressional involvement. The resolution does not itself propose specific amendments but rather requests that such a convention be convened.

Why is this important

Article V conventions are extremely rare—none have occurred since the original Constitutional Convention in 1787—making this a significant constitutional tool. If multiple states pass similar resolutions, they could theoretically trigger a nationwide convention to consider federal reforms. This represents a direct state-level challenge to federal legislative authority and could reshape fundamental government structures depending on what amendments are proposed.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope concerns: Critics worry a Convention of the States could become a "runaway convention" that proposes radical changes beyond the stated purpose, since there are no established legal limits on what delegates could propose
  • Vagueness of purpose: The resolution does not specify which constitutional issues Rhode Island wants addressed, leaving unclear what amendments might actually be considered
  • Partisan usage: Convention of the States movements have become associated with specific ideological agendas (fiscal restraint, federal power limits), raising questions about whether this serves narrow political interests rather than broad public consensus

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

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