Texas Senate supports call for a Convention of States

Austin American-Statesman ^ | 28 February 2017 | Jonathan Tilove

[Racehorse]

The Texas Senate, by a 20-11 vote, agreed Tuesday to a call for a Convention of States to consider amendments to the U.S. Constitution to rein in federal power and set federal term limits.

The Senate also agreed to impose a state jail penalty on a legislator who violates his or her oath as a delegate to a potential national Convention of States, a measure intended to allay concerns about a runaway convention that might seek to amend the Constitution in ways not intended by the Legislature.

Under Article V of the Constitution, two-thirds of the states can call for a Convention of States. So far, eight states have joined the call. Last week, the Utah Senate voted “no.”

[Racehorse]

If a Convention of States happens, the road to ratification will be long and hard.