Committee advances resolution calling for Article V convention; supporters and opponents clash over 'runaway convention' risks

The Wyoming House Education Committee voted 6-3 to pass Senate Joint Resolution 1, a measure instructing Congress to call a convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. Sponsor Senator Barlow described the resolution as a mechanism to allow state legislatures to initiate consideration of constitutional amendments on fiscal restraints, limits on federal jurisdiction and terms of federal office.

"There are only two bodies that have the ability to amend the Constitution to initiate that process. One of them is Congress... and one of them is the legislatures of the several states," Barlow told the committee, describing his long involvement with Article V advocacy and saying the proposal contains safeguards such as instructions to delegates and recall language for delegates who exceed their charge.

Supporters at the hearing said the Article V process is a lawful, constitutional way for states to propose structural reforms. Julie Baker, state director for Convention of States Action, told the committee Wyoming has substantial grassroots backing for the measure and urged lawmakers to "join…