This year COS Virginia addressed our state legislators' unwarranted fears of an Article V Convention of States through SB 527 and SB 528, both of which were filed by Senator Glen Sturtevant.
SB 527 - Faithful Delegate Selection Process
SB 527 provides the selection and control process for delegates that will be sent to an Article V Convention of States (COS).
As a COS supporter, you have undoubtedly heard naysayers object by saying that we don't know how the delegates are selected or who controls the process.
This is patently untrue; however, this bill should put that object to rest.
SB 527 codifies the process and ensures that control of the Virginia delegation is maintained by the Virginia legislature.
SB 528 - Criminal Penalties for Rogue Delegates
SB 528 makes it a Class V felony for any delegate that exceeds his/her authority at an Article V Convention of States (COS).
As a COS supporter, you have undoubtedly heard naysayers object by saying that we don't have control over the delegates.
This is patently untrue; however, this bill should put that objection to rest.
SB 528 ensures that control of the Virginia delegation is maintained by the Virginia legislature and imposes harsh penalties for any delegate that would think about exceeding his/her authority.
SB 527 comes to a vote in the Senate Committee on Privilege and Elections
On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, SB 527 came to the floor of the Senate Committee on Privilege and Elections. (Watch the video here, starting at the 1:21:00 mark.)
Several people spoke in favor of SB 527, including both active COS volunteers and passionate citizens of Virginia.
A tie vote by the committee defeated SB 527.
SB 528 comes to a vote in the Virginia Senate Committee on Courts of Justice
The next day on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, SB 528 came to the floor of the Virginia Senate Committee on Courts of Justice. (Watch the video here, starting at the 1:40:00 mark.)
Again several people spoke in favor of SB 528, including both active COS volunteers and passionate citizens of Virginia.
SB 528 was passed by indefinitely by a 9 to 6 committee vote.
Despite the COS Virginia team reaching out to the House of Delegates, no COS legislation was filed on the House side.
Groundbreaking Bipartisan News
Convention of States has officially finished a poll in Pennsylvania that demonstrates remarkable bipartisan support for the Convention of States movement.
Noteworthy findings include a staggering 69% of Republicans, 70% of Democrats, and an impressive 77% of Independents willing to cross party lines in support of a candidate championing the Convention of States cause.
That means that the MAJORITY of Pennsylvania voters, regardless of political party, will prioritize their votes based on whether a candidate supports calling an Article V Convention.
This is an absolutely staggering statistic that will be key in helping win votes for COS on both sides of the aisle.
The polling also revealed that a supermajority (67%) of Pennsylvanians support the Convention of States cause—focused on term limits, federal spending restraints, and limiting federal government size and jurisdiction—and the initiative also enjoys backing from various demographics.
Notably, 74% of Independents, three-fourths of blacks, and 63% of Hispanics are among the strong supporters.
At a time when Americans are divided on almost everything, Convention of States is winning support across age, ethnicities, and party lines.
In 2019 a similar poll was conducted in Virginia, also showing bipartisan support.
Grassroots 75,000 Strong and Growing in Virginia
While the Virginia State Capitol remains in the dark, Convention of States support in Virginia is 75,000 strong and growing.
That number grows enormously at various events around the Commonwealth, when citizens learn, in amazement, that COS can address that very problem that angers them.
The solution to any political problem is more grassroots power because political strength resides in constituent support.
Spread the news of Convention of States to all your friends and neighbors and even join our team.
