Utah House unanimously rescinds past calls for a U.S. constitutional convention

The Utah House of Representatives passed HJR 15 on Feb. 19, 2001, a joint resolution rescinding all prior applications historically sent from Utah to Congress calling for a constitutional convention. The measure carried by a recorded vote of 67 yes, 0 no and will be entered in the House Journal and transmitted to other states and federal leaders.

Representative Fred Fife, sponsor of the resolution, told the chamber the aim is to remove the risk posed by a convention that could exceed its original stated purpose. “A constitutional convention, notwithstanding whatever limitations have been specified in the applications of the several states for a convention, would have within the scope of its authority the complete redrafting of the Constitution,” he said while reading the resolution.

Fife and supporters said the Constitution has been amended through Article V for more than two centuries and that rescinding past calls reduces the chance of an unbounded convention. Representative Farrin, who questioned the sponsor, said the most recent calls were tied to proposals such as a balanced-budget amendment and that HJR 15 rescinds any and all such applications, not only the latest.

During floor discussion lawmakers cited a mix of historical examples — from early-20th-century applications to more recent calls — and urged colleagues that the resolution simply codifies a preference that the Congress and other states rescind similar applications. No recorded opposition arose during the vote.

The resolution directs a copy be sent to the presiding officers of state legislatures, the president and leaders of Congress, and Utah’s congressional delegation. The House will transmit the adopted journal entries as required.