Legislative sessions are kicking off in states around the country!
Convention of States teams have been hard at work forming relationships with their legislators, finding legislative sponsors, and laying the groundwork for passage of the Convention of States Resolution.
Now, all that hard work is about to pay off. Over 20 states are set to consider the Convention of States Resolution across the country. Fifteen have already passed our Resolution, meaning we need 19 more to call the first-ever Article V Convention of States.
For many Americans, the legislative process can be confusing, so here's what you need to know as your legislature convenes:
- First, a state legislator must agree to introduce the Convention of States Resolution in one of the state's legislative chambers. Most states have two chambers: a house and a senate.
- Once the Resolution is introduced, it is assigned to a committee. This committee is composed of legislators from both parties who consider and vote on resolutions and bills. Most legislation does not make it out of the committee. For our Resolution to pass, it must receive a majority of votes.
- After the Resolution passes committee, it will usually go to the full chamber (house or senate) for a vote.
- If the full chamber passes, the Resolution then goes to the other chamber, where it starts the process from the beginning.
- Once both chambers pass the Resolution, that state has officially passed it. Resolutions do not require the signature of the governor to go into effect.
That's it! As you can see, one of the most important things you can do is contact your state representatives and ask them to support the Convention of States Resolution in your state.
To get involved with your state team and learn more, sign up as a volunteer or a leader today!
