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Bill

HCR 33

Urging Congress to propose and submit to the states for ratification the "Keep Nine" amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Briscoe Cain and 4 co-sponsors

Texas urges Congress to propose a constitutional amendment permanently limiting the Supreme Court to nine justices, addressing ongoing "court packing" debate.

Referred to State Affairs
#keepnineamendment(nu1b2) #resolutions--legislativepolicy(i0685) #resolutions--memorializingcongress(i0675) #resolutions--unitedstatesconstitution(i0670)
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Bill Summary · HCR 33

Legislative bill overview

HCR 33 is a resolution urging the U.S. Congress to propose a constitutional amendment that would fix the number of Supreme Court justices at nine. The resolution does not change Texas law but formally expresses the state legislature's position on federal judicial structure, asking Congress to initiate the amendment process.

Why is this important

This reflects ongoing national debate about "court packing"—the concern that changing the Court's size could be used for partisan advantage. The resolution takes a stance in a contentious issue that has divided Republicans and Democrats, particularly following proposals to expand the Court during recent administrations. Texas's position, as a large conservative state, carries symbolic weight in this debate.

Potential points of contention

  • Partisan framing: The "Keep Nine" language implies criticism of proposals to expand the Court, which Democrats have championed; Republicans view this as protecting institutional stability
  • Constitutional amendment difficulty: The resolution asks for an extremely high procedural bar (two-thirds congressional majorities plus 38 state ratifications), raising questions about whether this is a practical vs. symbolic gesture
  • Federalism concerns: Some argue state legislatures shouldn't dictate federal judicial structure, while others see states as appropriate venues for constitutional amendment discussions

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

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