WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 7009

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jon Brien and 1 co-sponsor

Rhode Island seeks a limited Article V convention to propose amendments imposing federal fiscal restraints, curbing federal power, and limiting terms for federal officials and Cong

04/16/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 7009

Summary of HR 7009 (Rhode Island, 2026) – Joint Resolution Respectfully Requesting a Convention of the States under Article V

Overview
- Bill type: Joint Resolution
- Title: Respectfully Requesting a Convention of the States under Article V of the United States Constitution
- Session: 2026
- Introduced: January 7, 2026
- Principal sponsors: Rep. Corvese; Rep. J. Brien (co-sponsors include Doc Corvese)
- Committee: House State Government & Elections
- Purpose: To apply to Congress, under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, for the calling of a convention of the states limited to proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit federal power and jurisdiction, and limit terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress. The resolution also creates a Rhode Island process for selecting and overseeing state commissioners who would participate in such an Article V convention.

Key Provisions and Changes Proposed
1. Purpose of the Convention
- The Rhode Island General Assembly applies to Congress for a convention of the states (as permitted by Article V) with a limited scope:
- Propose amendments to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government
- Limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government
- Limit the terms of office for federal officials and for members of Congress

  1. Continuing Application

    • The resolution states this is a continuing application, active until two-thirds of the states have applied on the same subject.

  2. Rules and Process for Selecting Commissioners (Article V Convention Delegation)

    • Definitions: Establishes terms such as advisory committee, commissioner, delegation, commissioning resolution, interim commissioner, etc.
    • Qualifications for Commissioners: Candidates must meet detailed criteria (citizenship, residency, age, voter status, no recent federal lobbying, no recent federal employment or office, no disqualifying felony history, and not holding a statewide office while serving as commissioner).
    • Selection of Commissioners: Nine commissioners appointed by a majority vote in a joint session of the General Assembly; the panel must maintain an odd number of commissioners.
    • Removal/Recall: Commissioners may be recalled or suspended by the General Assembly or by the advisory committee, including during recess.
    • Commissioning Resolution: Sets the commissioners' authority and rules. Provisions include:
      • Commissioners cannot promote changes to the traditional one-state-one-vote rule
      • No promotion of rules that lack recorded roll calls
      • Amendments must be germane to topics approved by the state legislatures that triggered the convention
      • Prohibits endorsing amendments that alter the core constitutional guarantees (as listed, including the Bill of Rights and several amendments)
      • Scope is limited to either the subject matter of the triggering states or the state's own application, plus any later instructions from the General Assembly
    • Oath and Credentials: Commissioners must take an oath and file it; credentials issued by the Clerk of the House
    • Vacancies: Interim commissioners appointed by the advisory committee pending a joint-session appointment

  3. Compensation and Ethics

    • Commissioners receive compensation equivalent to Rhode Island House members, prorated for time served
    • Expense allowances aligned with state travel policy
    • Gift/Emolument restrictions: Prohibits gifts or benefits valued over $200 (with limited exceptions for family gifts)

  4. Governance of Delegation

    • The delegation selects a chair, a vote-caster for the convention floor, and a spokesperson for mass media (potentially one person serving multiple roles)
    • Obligations to avoid implying division to outsiders; media communications restricted to the designated spokesperson
    • Quorum and decision rules require a majority of the delegation present and voting; no action without a majority
    • Delegation rules apply unless superseded by the commissioning resolution

  5. Advisory Committee (Article V Commissioner Advisory Committee)

    • Composition: One state senator, one state representative, and a third legislator nominated jointly and approved by both chambers
    • Functions: Provides expedited advisory determinations (within 24 hours) on whether prospective actions would violate the commissioning resolution or instructions
    • Authority to hire staff and oversee convention monitoring

  6. Monitoring and Enforcement

    • If the advisory committee determines a commissioner exceeded authority, it notifies the speaker, president, and attorney general
    • The advisory committee issues timely determinations; if a violation is found, it can trigger removal of the commissioner
    • Removals communicated to legislative leaders and convention presiding officers

Impact and Practical Considerations
- Acknowledges Rhode Island’s role in a broader national process to rein in federal power and debt through a constitutional amendment process.
- Establishes a tightly regulated, Rhode Island-specific framework for selecting, supervising, and potentially removing delegates to an Article V convention.
- Sets defined constraints to keep the convention within the scope of the subject matter articulated in triggering applications and to preserve core constitutional protections.
- Creates procedural transparency and accountability measures via advisory oversight and media communication rules.

Timeline and Status
- Action History indicates committee consideration in early 2026 with ongoing study recommendations as of April 16, 2026.
- As a continuing resolution, it remains in effect until enough states join with the same subject matter to trigger a convention.

Note: This summary focuses on the substantive content and governance mechanics of HR 7009 without broad political interpretation. If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with Article V conventions from other states or a plain-language briefing for general audiences.

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

Sign in to ask a question.