Summary of HJRES 28

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: HJRES 28
• Title: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.
• Status: Introduced in House
• Introduced Date: January 22, 2025
• Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HJRES 28 aims to amend the United States Constitution to establish a fixed number of justices on the Supreme Court, specifically nine. The intent behind this amendment is to ensure stability and consistency in the composition of the Supreme Court, potentially preventing future fluctuations in the number of justices that could arise from legislative or political changes.

Key Provisions

• The proposed amendment states: "The Supreme Court of the United States shall be composed of nine justices."
• This amendment would become valid once ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths (38 out of 50) of the states within seven years of its submission for ratification.

Affected Parties

• Supreme Court Justices: The amendment directly impacts the structure of the Supreme Court, solidifying the number of justices at nine.
• State Legislatures: The amendment requires the approval of state legislatures for ratification, thus involving them in the constitutional amendment process.
• Legal and Judicial Community: The amendment could influence the judicial landscape and the functioning of the Supreme Court, affecting legal precedents and interpretations.

Legislative Actions

• January 22, 2025: HJRES 28 was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.

Related Legislation

• SJRES 16: This is a companion resolution that may share similar goals or provisions regarding the composition of the Supreme Court.

Conclusion

HJRES 28 represents a significant legislative effort to enshrine the number of Supreme Court justices in the Constitution, aiming to provide a stable judicial framework. As it progresses through the legislative process, its implications for the judiciary and state involvement in constitutional amendments will be closely monitored.