WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HJM 4005

Rescinding prior applications for a constitutional convention to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rob Chase and 5 co-sponsors

Washington rescinds all prior state calls to Congress for an Article V constitutional convention, signaling future reconsideration by a new legislature.

First reading, referred to State Government & Tribal Relations.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJM 4005

Summary of HJM 4005 (Washington)

Overview

  • Bill Type: Joint Memorial (HJM)
  • Bill Number: HJM 4005
  • Title: Rescinding prior applications for a constitutional convention to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States
  • Status: First reading, referred to the State Government & Tribal Relations committee
  • Introduced: February 7, 2025
  • Classification: Joint memorial directed at federal officials

HJM 4005 is a formal expression by the Washington Legislature asking to rescind all prior Washington applications to Congress requesting a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It seeks to remove Washington from any active or historical tally of state calls until a future legislature passes a new application.

Purpose and Intent

  • Revoke all previous Washington calls to Congress to convene a constitutional convention for proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
  • Emphasize that, regardless of the scope (limited or plenary) of past applications or the status of historical records, Washington seeks to nullify those calls.
  • Argue that constitutional reform should be reconsidered anew and not bind future generations without fresh legislative authorization.

Key Provisions

  • rescind, repeal, cancel, nullify, and supersede any and all prior Washington state applications to Congress for a constitutional convention, regardless of:
    • whether the prior calls were for a limited or general convention
    • the subject matter or scope of the calls
    • the status of historical records maintained by the state or the Library of Congress
  • transmit this memorial immediately to:
    • President of the United States (named in the memorial as Donald J. Trump)
    • President of the U.S. Senate and Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
    • each member of Congress from Washington
    • Director of the Office of the Federal Registrar
  • request that the memorial be published in the Congressional Records
  • request that Washington be listed in the official tally of state legislative applications relating to calling a constitutional convention only if and when a future Washington legislature passes a new application

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • State of Washington: Official stance seeking to rescind prior convention calls; directs future considerations for constitutional amendments to be re-evaluated by a future legislature.
  • United States Congress and federal officials: Receives a formal memorial asserting Washington’s withdrawal from existing calls and asking for update in Congressional records.
  • Office of the Federal Registrar: Directed to receive copies for administrative action.
  • General public and policy stakeholders: Signals Washington’s preference for renewed debate and potential safeguards against unintended or perpetual constraints from historical convention calls.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status in 2025 Regular Session: First reading; referred to State Government & Tribal Relations.
  • No fiscal impact or effective date specified (as typical for memorials); the action is symbolic and advisory rather than binding law.
  • Next steps: If advanced, the committee may hold hearings or amendments before moving to a full House vote. The memorial would then proceed through the legislative process as a memorial resolution.

Contextual Notes

  • Article V of the U.S. Constitution provides the mechanism for a constitutional convention upon applications by two-thirds of the states; Washington cites historical uncertainty about whether prior calls expire and the potential influence of long-past political contexts.
  • The memorial cites several historical Washington calls (e.g., 1901 HB 90; 1903 HB 207; 1909 SCR 17; 1911 SCR 17; 1963 HJM 1) as illustrative, regardless of their current legal effect.

If you’d like, I can compare this memorial to similar resolutions in other states or outline potential federal responses.

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

Sign in to ask a question.