Bill
H 3888
Massachusetts asks Congress to call a limited Article V convention to propose amendments curbing federal power, spending, and term lengths, while SC honors USC with no legal effect
Status and introduction
- Bill number: H 3888 (House resolution)
- Classification: Resolution (non‑binding)
- Introduced: Filed Jan 13, 2025 (docket entries); recorded as introduced/adopted Feb 4, 2025 and referred Feb 27, 2025. Senate concurrence noted Feb 27, 2025. Hearings scheduled Nov 13, 2025.
- Sponsors / petitioners (Massachusetts section): Rep. Steven G. Xiarhos and co‑petitioners Joseph D. McKenna, David T. Vieira, Steven S. Howitt, Kelly W. Pease, Patrick M. O’Connor, John R. Gaskey.
Note on document contents
- The bill file contains two distinct resolution texts: (A) a Massachusetts legislative application under Article V of the U.S. Constitution requesting Congress to call a “Convention of States”; and (B) a South Carolina House resolution recognizing the University of South Carolina (USC) and declaring Tuesday, February 11, 2025 “Carolina Day” at the State House. Both are non‑binding resolutions; the file appears to bundle both texts.
Key provisions — Article V Convention (Massachusetts resolution)
- Purpose: The Massachusetts legislature “applies to Congress” under Article V to call a Convention of States limited to proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution that:
1. Impose fiscal restraints on the federal government;
2. Limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government; and
3. Limit terms of office for federal officials and members of Congress.
- Administrative direction: Directs the Secretary of State to transmit copies of the application to the President, congressional leaders from the State, and the presiding officers of other state legislatures asking for cooperation.
- Continuing application: Declares the application to be a continuing one under Article V until two‑thirds of state legislatures (34 states) have applied on the same subject.
Key provisions — USC / “Carolina Day” (South Carolina resolution)
- Purpose: Recognize and honor the University of South Carolina system for contributions to education, culture, research, workforce development, and the state economy; declare Feb 11, 2025 “Carolina Day” at the State House.
- Facts & findings cited (reported figures):
- Annual economic impact: $7.4 billion (statewide).
- Enrollment: >55,000 students systemwide; Columbia campus largest in its history (224 years), ~20% first‑generation students.
- Research funding: $309 million (record year).
- Philanthropy: Two alumni gifts totaling $60 million cited.
- Health sciences degrees: >4,000 annually (including ~900 nursing degrees); new Health Sciences Campus referenced.
- Student‑athlete impact: Economic impact >$346 million; athletic and academic achievements noted.
- Effect: Ceremonial recognition — no appropriations or regulatory change.
Who is affected
- Article V resolution: Affects federal‑state relations conceptually — seeks to trigger a multi‑state process that could lead to proposed constitutional amendments; practical effects depend on whether 34 states adopt similar applications and whether Congress calls a convention. No immediate change to law or federal policy.
- USC resolution: Affects the University of South Carolina (symbolically), students, alumni, and the public perception of USC; no legal or budgetary effects.
Procedural/timeline notes
- As resolutions, neither text creates enforceable law. The Article V application would remain active until 34 states pass comparable applications; if reached, Congress has procedural duties under Article V to “call” a convention.
- The USC recognition was adopted as a ceremonial resolution and designates Feb 11, 2025 for a State House observance. Legislative actions include committee referral (Veterans & Federal Affairs for the Article V matter) and scheduled hearings (Nov 13, 2025).
Related bills
- HD 727 (listed as replaces) — appears related in docket history.
Bottom line
- H 3888 combines two non‑binding resolutions: (1) a Massachusetts Article V application asking Congress to convene a limited Convention of States to propose amendments limiting federal power, fiscal scope, and terms of office; and (2) a South Carolina ceremonial resolution honoring the University of South Carolina and declaring Feb 11, 2025 “Carolina Day” at the State House. Neither provision by itself changes statutory law or appropriates funds.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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