2020 -- H 7630

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LC004457

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2020

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J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING A CONVENTION OF THE STATES UNDER ARTICLE V

OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION

     Introduced By: Representative K. Joseph Shekarchi

     Date Introduced: February 14, 2020

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     (by request)

     WHEREAS, The founders of our Constitution empowered State Legislatures to be

guardians of liberty against future abuses of power by the federal government; and

     WHEREAS, The federal government has invaded the legitimate roles of the States

through the manipulative process of federal mandates, most of which are unfunded to a great

extent; and

     WHEREAS, It is the solemn duty of the States to protect the liberty of our people,

particularly for the generations to come; and

     WHEREAS, Article V of the United States Constitution requires the United States

Congress to call a convention for proposing amendments upon application of two-thirds of the

legislatures of the states for the purpose of proposing amendments to the United States

Constitution in order to place clear restraints on these and related abuses of power; now, therefore

be it

     RESOLVED, That this General Assembly, under the provisions of Article V of the

Constitution of the United States, hereby petitions the United States Congress to call a

Convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that

impose 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; and be it

further

     RESOLVED, That this General Assembly hereby intends that this be a continuing

application considered together with all other passed, pending, and future applications, calling for

a convention on the aforementioned concerns of the State of Rhode Island notwithstanding until

such time as two-thirds of the several states have applied for a Convention and said Convention is

convened by Congress; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the President and Secretary of the United States

Senate; the Speaker and Clerk of the United States House of Representatives; and the Rhode

Island Congressional Delegation.

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