Rescinds all previous applications for Article V conventions made by the Missouri legislature to Congress

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeremy Dean and 1 co-sponsor

Missouri would rescind all prior applications to Congress calling for an Article V constitutional convention.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

#federal-staterelations #generalassembly

Bill Summary: HCR 26 (Missouri, 2026)

Purpose and intent

HCR 26 seeks to rescind all prior applications that the Missouri General Assembly has formally submitted to Congress requesting an Article V constitutional convention. In short, the measure would withdraw Missouri’s prior calls for a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution.

Key provisions and changes

Rescission of previous applications: The resolution declares that Missouri reverses and withdraws any and all prior resolutions, resolutions, or formal acts that sought to convene an Article V constitutional convention at the federal level.

Scope of rescission: The language covers all previously submitted applications to Congress, regardless of the issuing session or legislative chamber.

No new calls: The resolution does not appear to authorize new or alternative calls for an Article V convention; its primary function is withdrawal of existing ones.

Effective date: The resolution would take effect upon final passage and approval according to Missouri’s legislative process.

Who or what would be affected

Missouri legislative history and standing: The state’s prior positions urging Congress to convene an Article V convention would be negated. This may affect how Missouri’s delegation and state agencies reference the state’s constitutional convention efforts in the future.

Congress and federal posture: By rescinding prior requests, Missouri changes its official position on Article V conventions as a matter of state record; congressional offices may view this as a formal withdrawal of Missouri’s support or pursuit of a convention.

Policy signaling: The measure signals Missouri’s intent to pause or stop efforts related to pursuing an Article V convention through congressional applications.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introductions and readings:

First Reading: January 7, 2026
Second Reading: January 8, 2026

Referral: May be referred to the Emerging Issues (H) committee as of May 15, 2026

Sponsorship:

Co-sponsors: Lilly Fuchs and Jeremy Dean

Lawmaking process: As a concurrent or resolution measure (HCR = House Concurrent Resolution), it would require passage by both chambers of the Missouri General Assembly and signature or effective action per state constitutional processes to become effective.

Practical considerations and context

Constitutional convention topic: Article V conventions are a mechanism under which states may compel Congress to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution. They are a subject of ongoing national debate and have been pursued by a subset of states at various times.

Impact on divergent policy goals: For stakeholders who supported Missouri’s prior calls for an Article V convention, this resolution represents a strategic reversal. Conversely, proponents of limiting or avoiding a convention may see it as aligning state policy with their objectives.

Potential legal or historical implications: The resolution contributes to the official record of Missouri’s stance on constitutional amendment processes and could influence future legislative or legal discussions about state-level strategies on constitutional reform.

If you’d like, I can compare HCR 26 to Missouri’s prior resolutions on Article V conventions or provide a brief history of Article V convention efforts in Missouri and other states.