Kansas Senate panel advances resolution asking Congress to call convention of states

The Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee voted to move Senate Concurrent Resolution SCR 16 o 4 favorably for passage, a resolution asking the United States Congress to call a convention of the states under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to consider proposed amendments that would limit federal power.

Jason (committee staff) told the committee that “Senate Concurrent Resolution 16 o 4 is the concurrent resolution making application to the United States Congress to call a convention of the states for the purpose of proposing amendments to the US constitution,” and summarized that the proposed convention would consider fiscal restraints on the federal government, a limit to federal power and jurisdiction, and limits on terms of office for members of Congress. He added that “if this is adopted by the required number of states, then Congress, under Article 5 of the US Constitution, would be required to call a convention of the states for consideration of such amendments, and any amendments adopted by that convention would then go to the states for ratification.”

Senator Murphy moved that the committee recommend SCR 16 o 4 favorably for passage; Senator Thomas seconded the motion. After discussion, the committee approved the motion by voice vote. The committee did not read a roll-call tally into the record; the clerk recorded the motion as passed.

Committee debate included several supporters and some cautionary remarks. Senator Clifford said he had been opposed in the past but had become a convert, describing time in Washington and concluding, “I want to be revolutionary in my lifetime, just like the founders.” Senator Tyson said he “absolutely support[s] an Article 5 convention” but expressed distrust of some national Convention of States leadership for having “put out false information before, misleading information,” and said he would proceed “cautiously.” Senator Murphy recounted researching the idea and invoked a historical letter in making his case: “In an effort to prove them in the wrong position, I learned that I was in the wrong position,” and referenced a letter from Thomas Jefferson quoting Article V in support of the people taking corrective action.

Several other items were handled as bill introductions with no committee debate. Senator Joe Clace, who represents District 27 in Sedgwick County, introduced 25 RS 1225, described as “a bill concerning a feasibility study on new nuclear energy generation in the state of Kansas” and said, “when it comes to nuclear power, Kansas is open for business.” Senator Murphy introduced 25RS1021020 described as “regarding the 340B drug program and distribution.” Senator Frasquito introduced RS 1,200 to designate Ruby Bridges Day at the capitol for Nov. 14. Committee members also noted plans to hear Senate Bill 260 at a later date and deferred consideration of SCR 16 11 until language could be worked out among stakeholders.

The committee chair closed the meeting by noting the panel would remain available on call of the chair if additional work were needed before turnaround deadlines.

The action on SCR 16 o 4 now moves to the next steps in the legislative process.