WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HJ 49

RESOLUTION RESCINDING PREVIOUS APPLICATIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT CALLED FOR AN ARTICLE V CONVENTION TO PROPOSE AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AND DIRECTING TRANSMISSION OF SUCH RESOLUTION TO CONGRESS FOR PRINTING IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD.

2025 Regular Session

Connecticut withdraws its previous applications calling for a federal constitutional convention, reducing state support for this rare amendment mechanism.

TRANSMITTED TO SECRETARY OF THE STATE
#generalassemblyjointconventions #unitedstatesconstitution
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJ 49

Legislative bill overview

HJ 49 is a Connecticut resolution that withdraws the state's previous applications requesting a federal Article V Constitutional Convention. The resolution directs that this withdrawal be officially transmitted to Congress and recorded in the Congressional Record.

Why is this important

Article V conventions are extraordinarily rare mechanisms that could theoretically allow states to bypass Congress and propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution directly. By rescinding its previous applications, Connecticut is reducing the total state count toward triggering such a convention—a significant procedural threshold that requires applications from two-thirds of state legislatures (34 states) to compel Congress to call a convention.

Potential points of contention

  • Ideological reversal: The resolution signals a shift in Connecticut's constitutional amendment priorities, raising questions about what changed in legislative priorities or party control since earlier applications were filed
  • Convention trigger debate: Different sides view Article V conventions differently—some see them as essential democratic tools for structural reform, while others view them as dangerous wildcards that could fundamentally destabilize the Constitution
  • Transparency of prior applications: The public record on which previous applications Connecticut is rescinding and the original rationales for them may not be widely known, limiting democratic deliberation

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

Sign in to ask a question.