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SJR 27

US CONST-ART V-APPLICATION

104th Regular Session Introduced by Neil Anderson and 1 co-sponsor

Illinois applies under Article V for a limited convention to propose amendments curbing federal power; continues until 34 states join, potentially reshaping federal-state powers.

Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Dave Syverson
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Bill Summary · SJR 27

Summary — SJR 27 (US CONST — ART V APPLICATION)

Status: Enacted by the Illinois General Assembly (introduced 12/02/2024; enacted 03/19/2025). Primary sponsor: Sen. Neil Anderson. Co-sponsor: Sen. Dave Syverson.

Purpose / Intent

SJR 27 is a state application under Article V of the U.S. Constitution asking Congress to call a limited “Convention of the States” empowered to propose amendments that would constrain federal power. The resolution expresses the legislature’s view that federal officials and bureaucracies have become unresponsive and that states can restore balance by proposing constitutional amendments on specified subjects.

Key provisions

  • The Illinois Legislature applies to Congress under Article V for a national convention limited to proposing amendments that would:
    • Limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government;
    • Impose fiscal restraints on Congress and the federal government;
    • Limit the terms of office for federal officials and for members of Congress.
  • Directs the Illinois Secretary of State to transmit copies of the application to:
    • The President of the United States Senate and the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives;
    • Illinois’ congressional delegation;
    • The presiding officers (leaders/clerks) of each state legislature, requesting their cooperation.
  • Declares this to be a “continuing application” under Article V — it remains in effect until at least two‑thirds of state legislatures (34 states) have made applications on the same subject.

Who is affected

  • Illinois state government: obligates administrative action (transmission) by the Secretary of State.
  • U.S. Congress and federal institutions: the application requests that Congress convene a convention under Article V once the requisite number of state applications is reached.
  • Other state legislatures and the public: the resolution seeks cooperation from other states and, if a convention is called, possible nationwide constitutional change that could affect federal-state relations, federal programs, taxation/spending, and term limits for federal officeholders.

Procedural / timeline highlights

  • Introduced in Illinois Senate: 12/02/2024.
  • Committee hearings, substitutes, and multiple floor actions occurred in early 2025 (committee reports, amendments, and readings recorded between Feb–May 2025).
  • Passed both chambers (Senate and House) in spring 2025; enrolled and filed with the Secretary of State (filed 06/02/2025 per legislative actions).
  • The resolution, as an Article V application, does not itself amend the Constitution. Its legal effect is to join other state applications; if 34 states adopt similar applications on the same subject, Congress is generally considered constitutionally required to call a convention — though procedural details (scope, delegate selection, and safeguards against a so‑called “runaway convention”) remain contested and could spawn legal and political disputes.

Note: The bill file includes an unrelated resolution honoring Lieutenant Colonel George A. Garzon — that text appears to be a separate, distinct resolution and is not part of Illinois SJR 27’s Article V application.

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

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