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Minutes for HB2722 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Creating a procedure for appointment of delegates to a convention under article V of the constitution of the United States and prescribing duties and responsibilities therefor.
Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 9, 2022
Chairperson Barker opened the hearing on HB2722. The Revisor provided an overview on the bill.
Chairperson Barker recognized Representative Susan Estes as a proponent on HB2722 (Attachment 1). She stated that HB2722 is a safety valve for both those for the convention of states and those against it. It would trigger the Legislature to respond to any congressional action that is incompatible with the bill. Questions were asked by Representative Ruiz.
Chairperson Barker recognized John Axtell as an opponent to HB2722 (Attachment 2). He stated that it is Congress, and not the states, that will set the rules for the convention. In addition, there are many components of the bill that are unrealistic and impractical. He urges the Committee to vote against HB2722.
Chairperson Barker recognized Joanna Martin as an opponent (Attachment 3). She stated that the state legislatures do not have power to select and control the delegates to the convention; it is Congress who calls the convention and makes the laws to organize it.
Representative Michael Houser testified as an opponent to HB2722 (Attachment 4). He stated that he doesn't see anything in Article V of the United States Constitution that gives the states authority to draft legislation concerning the delegates or to devise the rules that the convention would follow. He doesn't believe HB2722 will be able to control the delegates to a constitutional convention.
Chairperson Barker stated that there is written opponent testimony from Judi Caler, Citizens Against an Article V Convention (Attachment 5) (Attachment 5A) (Attachment 5B).
Chairperson Barker opened the floor for questions of the opponents. Representative Miller asked for a current list of the states that have ratified the Article V convention of states.
Questions were asked by Representatives Smith, Arnberger, Penn, and Howe.
Chairperson Barker closed the hearing on HB2722.
