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Bill

SJR 41

Rescinding the automatic rescission of certain applications made by the Texas Legislature to the United States Congress to call a national convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for proposing any amendment to that constitution.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Brian Birdwell

Texas bill rescues expired applications for a U.S. constitutional convention, reviving the state's formal request for Article V amendment procedures.

Referred to State Affairs
#congress(i0085) #legislature(i0520) #resolutions--memorializingcongress(i0675) #resolutions--unitedstatesconstitution(i0670) #secretaryofstate(v0042)
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Bill Summary · SJR 41

Legislative bill overview

SJR 41 would rescind the automatic expiration of Texas's previous applications to Congress requesting a national constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. Texas had submitted multiple applications to amend the Constitution through this mechanism, but they were subject to automatic rescission rules. This bill would revive those expired applications, effectively restoring Texas's formal request for a convention.

Why is this important

Article V conventions are rarely invoked—there has never been one in U.S. history—making this a significant constitutional development if pursued. The bill represents an attempt to advance a specific constitutional amendment agenda through an alternative procedure that bypasses the typical congressional amendment route. The outcome could meaningfully impact the constitutional amendment process and which policy areas receive amendment consideration.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope uncertainty: The bill doesn't specify which previous applications it rescues or what amendments Texas previously sought, creating ambiguity about the actual scope of the convention authority being claimed
  • Convention control concerns: Critics worry an Article V convention could become a "runaway convention" with unpredictable outcomes, potentially allowing amendments unrelated to the original application subjects
  • Partisan intent: The bill's timing and sponsorship may reflect efforts by one political faction to advance specific amendment goals (potentially concerning voting procedures, executive power, or other contested issues) outside normal amendment channels

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

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