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SJ 22

Virginia State Police, retired; TAX to study reducing economic stress.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Carroll Foy

SJ 22 seeks to repeal the 17th Amendment, ending direct U.S. Senate elections and returning selection to state legislatures, via Article V action.

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Bill Summary · SJ 22

Summary — SJ 22: Joint resolution to repeal the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Status: Died in Process (May 23, 2025)
Introduced: January 8, 2025
Classification: Joint resolution
Subjects: Elections, Federal Government, Public Officers and Employees

Purpose / Intent

SJ 22 is a state-level joint resolution whose title indicates an intent to pursue repeal of the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The 17th Amendment (ratified 1913) establishes the direct popular election of U.S. senators; repeal would return the power to choose senators to state legislatures (or otherwise change the current selection method).

The resolution therefore aims to initiate the state’s formal support for a constitutional change ending direct election of U.S. senators and restoring selection by state legislatures (or to direct Congress to propose such a repeal). The bill text itself was not included in the materials provided.

Key provisions (based on title / usual form)

Because the bill text is not provided, the specific language and mechanics of SJ 22 cannot be quoted. Typical elements in a state resolution of this type would include:
- A declaration that the State requests Congress propose, or the states convene to propose, an amendment to repeal the 17th Amendment.
- A statement of the desired replacement language (or instruction that selection of senators revert to state legislatures).
- A request that Congress call a constitutional convention or otherwise act under Article V to begin the amendment process.
- Possibly a statement of the state’s reasons or findings supporting the repeal.

Note: The resolution itself cannot unilaterally repeal a federal constitutional amendment. Repeal requires the Article V amendment process.

Who would be affected

  • Voters: Repeal would remove the direct popular vote for U.S. Senate seats, returning selection power to state legislatures (unless Congress prescribes a different mechanism).
  • State legislatures: Would gain the formal power to appoint or elect U.S. senators (with potentially increased political influence at the state level).
  • Candidates and campaigns: Senate campaign dynamics, fundraising, and accountability incentives would change if legislature selection replaces popular election.
  • Federal representation: Could alter senators’ accountability and state-federal relations.

Legislative / Procedural history (selected timeline)

  • Introduced: 2025-01-08
  • Senate: Adopted on consent calendar (01-28-2025); rules suspended; immediate transmittal to House.
  • House: Adopted on consent calendar, in concurrence (01-28-2025).
  • Multiple committee hearings and readings noted across March–April 2025 (including Senate Legislative Administration and House Energy, Technology and Federal Relations committees).
  • Senate 3rd Reading Passed and transmitted to House (04-05-2025).
  • Final status recorded as: (S) Died in Process (05-23-2025).

Related bill: LC 3367 (replaces).

Constitutional process and practical considerations

  • Repeal of a federal constitutional amendment requires proposal and ratification under Article V: either (a) two-thirds of both Houses of Congress propose an amendment, or (b) two-thirds of state legislatures call for a convention; then three-fourths (38) of the states must ratify.
  • A single state resolution like SJ 22 typically functions as a formal application or request to Congress and/or the other states to begin that Article V process; it cannot effect repeal by itself.
  • Political, legal, and logistical implications would be significant, including debates over democratic accountability, state legislative legitimacy, and transitional rules for current senators.

Bottom line

SJ 22 was a state joint resolution seeking repeal of the 17th Amendment (i.e., to end direct election of U.S. senators). It passed several procedural steps but, per the docket, ultimately died in process on May 23, 2025. The resolution’s text was not provided; any actual repeal would require nationwide congressional/state action under Article V and ratification by three-fourths of the states.

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

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