Wyoming Bill Calls For Convention of The States To Rein In Feds

A Joint Resolution that has been filed for the upcoming session of the Wyoming Legislature calls for a convention of the states to reign in federal spending and impose term limits.

You can read Senate Joint Resolution 2 here.

It's sponsored by Senator Bo Biteman [R-Sheridan]. The resolution cites Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which allows for the calling of a convention of the states to address constitutional issues. Supporters of the idea are hoping to have 2/3 of the states call for such a convention.

The resolution says the convention would be ''limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States 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.''

Opponents of calling an Article V convention have often worried that such a convention might turn into a "runaway" event'', with delegates going far beyond the intended scope of the convention to pursue other political agendas.

Supporters argue that the wording of the resolution should invalidate such concerns and limit the scope of the convention to the intended issues. Many call the idea of a runaway convention "a myth."

The Wyoming Legislature is scheduled to reconvene in Cheyenne on Monday, March 1.