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SD 3332

Resolutions rescinding previous Article V convention applications

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Cynthia Creem and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill SD 3332 rescinds all prior General Court applications to Congress under Article V to call a constitutional convention, nullifying MA's past efforts.

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Bill Summary · SD 3332

Summary of Senate Bill SD 3332: Resolutions rescinding previous Article V convention applications

Purpose and intent

SD 3332 is a Massachusetts Senate petition to rescind all prior General Court applications to Congress under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which would call a constitutional convention. The bill acknowledges that Massachusetts has not submitted an Article V application in nearly 50 years and argues that the policy reforms referenced in prior applications may no longer be necessary or supported by the Commonwealth. The resolution seeks to formally nullify every past MA submission to Congress requesting a convention, regardless of date or scope.

What the bill would do

  • Rescind, repeal, cancel, nullify, and supersede all prior General Court applications to Congress to call for a convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Include all prior applications, whether they were for a limited convention on specific subjects or a general convention on an unlimited set of subjects, and regardless of whether they are expressly identified in the resolution or verified in official records (e.g., Library of Congress).
  • Request publication of the resolution in the Congressional Record and inclusion in the official tally of state legislative applications relating to Article V conventions.
  • Instruct the Clerks of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate to transmit copies of the resolution to the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Secretary of the U.S. Senate.

Key provisions and historical context

  • The bill enumerates several prior Massachusetts Article V applications, illustrating the scope of past efforts:
    • House 5984 (1977)
    • House 1273 (1974)
    • House 5005 (1971)
    • Senate 805 (1964)
    • Senate 658 (1941)
    • House 1367 (1931)
  • The resolution emphasizes that some prior applications included sunset language or termination provisions, while others did not, but it seeks to cancel all of them uniformly.
  • The measure frames its action as restoring the Commonwealth’s current policy stance and aligning with a long period since MA last engaged in Article V activity.

Affected parties and scope

  • Primary: Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including the General Court (Senate and House) as initiators and sponsors.
  • Secondary: The United States Congress (through the required transmission and publication steps).
  • Broader policy area: Constitutional reform debates, particularly the use and risks of invoking a national constitutional convention.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Status: Introduced (november 29, 2025) as a proposed bill in the 2025-2026 General Court.
  • Formal filing date appears as October 27, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 3332; Senate No. 2684).
  • The resolution is “subject to Joint Rule 12,” indicating it follows standard procedural rules for joint consideration.
  • If enacted, clerks would immediately transmit copies to federal congressional officials and publish the resolution in the Congressional Record.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Clear rejection of MA’s historical Article V applications, potentially reducing the likelihood of triggering a convention by MA alone, though it does not eliminate the possibility if other states pursue applications.
  • Provides a public formal statement of opposition or disengagement from Article V convention processes.
  • No explicit fiscal impact is stated; the measure is largely symbolic with a procedural/public-records effect (publication and transmission).

This summary is intended to convey the bill’s substantive effect, focusing on what changes it would implement, who is affected, and how the legislative process would unfold.

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

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