Summary:
This resolution would have the Kansas legislature make application to the U.S. Congress to call a convention under Article 5 of the U.S. Constitution for the purpose of proposing amendments to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit federal power and jurisdiction, and establish term limits for federal officials.
Noteworthy Points:
- The resolution is a reintroduction of a previous proposal that would require 34 states to call a convention and 38 states to ratify any proposed amendments.
- Proponents argued that 19 states have already passed similar resolutions, and Kansas would be the 20th if this passes.
- A key point of contention is whether a convention could be limited to specific topics or might 'run away' and propose broader changes, as opponents suggest happened in 1787.
- A recent lawsuit was mentioned regarding whether Kansas can bypass its constitutional requirement for a two-thirds majority when applying for an Article 5 convention.
- The issue of state sovereignty and constitutional obligations was central to arguments on both sides.
Highlights:
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00:04:23 -
00:04:55
: Introduction of SCR 1604 by Committee Chair.
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00:04:55 -
00:06:45
: Jason's bill brief explaining the Article 5 convention process and requirements.
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00:07:36 -
00:08:18
: David Snyder introduces his support as Convention of States representative.
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00:08:24 -
00:12:38
: Ben Terrell testifies on growing grassroots support for the resolution in Kansas.
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00:12:58 -
00:18:41
: Michael Ferris provides constitutional background and addresses concerns about a 'runaway convention'.
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00:19:35 -
00:22:30
: Discussion about potential amendments that might be proposed at a convention.
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00:26:53 -
00:30:00
: Explanation of how delegates would be selected and how they would vote at a convention.
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00:30:46 -
00:33:21
: Daniel Chase testifies in opposition, arguing the resolution violates legislators' oath to the Kansas Constitution.
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00:33:40 -
00:40:22
: John Axtell testifies in opposition, citing concerns that delegates cannot be constrained.
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00:40:59 -
00:42:32
: Discussion about the specific language in Article 5 of the U.S. Constitution.
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00:45:12 -
00:45:54
: Clarification that proposed term limits would apply to federal officials, not state legislators.
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00:49:08 -
00:51:03
: Discussion of the 1787 Constitutional Convention precedent and whether it 'ran away' from its mandate.
Actions:
No vote was taken during this hearing. The chair closed the hearing and announced that the committee would have briefs from the Secretary of State's office and the lottery in the coming days.
Source:
Full Video
Surface Score Reasoning:
This resolution deals with a fundamental constitutional issue that could potentially lead to substantial changes to the U.S. Constitution, affecting the balance of power between states and the federal government. The topic generated significant debate with strong opinions on both sides, addressing core issues of federalism, state sovereignty, and constitutional governance.