JOINT RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING A CONVENTION OF THE STATES UNDER ARTICLE V OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION (Petitions congress to call a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution to impose restraints on the federal government.)

Plain-English Summary

This is a joint resolution from the Rhode Island state legislature asking Congress to organize a special national meeting — called a "Convention of the States" — to consider changes to the U.S. Constitution. Article V of the Constitution provides two ways to propose amendments: through Congress directly, or through a convention called when at least 34 states formally request one. This resolution is Rhode Island's formal request to use that second method.

The specific purpose of this convention would be to propose constitutional amendments that place new limits or restrictions on the federal government. While the resolution doesn't spell out exactly what those limits would look like, the general idea behind similar efforts nationwide has focused on things like restricting federal spending, limiting congressional terms, or curbing federal regulatory powers. Importantly, any amendments proposed at such a convention would still need to be ratified by 38 states (three-quarters of all states) before they could become part of the Constitution.

This resolution affects all Americans in a broad sense, since it is part of a nationwide effort to potentially reshape the balance of power between the federal government and the states. Rhode Island joining this effort adds to the count of states making such a request — advocates of this approach believe 34 states must formally apply before Congress is obligated to call the convention. The resolution was recently introduced and referred to the Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken.