House Joint Resolution 44, Application for a Convention of the States, is currently in the House Judiciary Committee waiting to be heard. Civitas Action urges the committee to approve the measure to move it closer to a vote on the House floor. A Senate version is in the Rules Committee.

The resolution would authorize the North Carolina legislature to apply to the U.S. Congress for a calling of a Convention of the States to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Article V of the Constitution provides for such a convention to be called upon the application of two-thirds of the states. The purpose of the convention would be to propose amendments “that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.”

Civitas Action supports measures to restore balance between the power of the federal government and states’ rights.

Civitas Action also intends to grade any votes taken on HJR 44 (or it Senate version), and will post the grades in its Conservative Effectivesness Ranking within 48 hours.

Civitas Action is a 501(c)(4) non-profit that educates and informs North Carolinians on policy issues and the actions of their elected officials.