Bill Analyses and Ratings
Bill Information: HCR023 – Article V Convention for Congressional Term Limits
Bill Summary
House Concurrent Resolution No. 23 formally applies to the United States Congress under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to call a convention of states for the purpose of proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the terms of office for members of Congress. The resolution specifically seeks to set limits on the number of terms a person may serve in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
The resolution notes that Idaho and 22 other states have previously passed term limit laws that were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, and therefore seeks a constitutional amendment as the proper remedy. The application is limited exclusively to the subject of congressional term limits and will be aggregated only with similar applications from other states. The Secretary of State is directed to transmit copies to federal officials and all state legislatures, and the application remains active until two-thirds of states have made similar applications.
Overall Assessment
This resolution receives a total score of 0, reflecting that it does not substantively address any of the evaluation metrics. While the resolution represents Idaho’s participation in the Article V convention process to propose congressional term limits, it is a procedural mechanism directed at federal constitutional reform rather than state policy implementation. The resolution does not establish Idaho law, create state programs, allocate resources, or directly affect any policy areas covered by the evaluation framework.
The zero score across all metrics is appropriate because the resolution’s exclusive focus is on initiating a federal constitutional amendment process. It does not address state governance structures, citizen participation mechanisms, education, natural resources, economic policy, health and welfare programs, or any other substantive policy domain within Idaho’s jurisdiction. The resolution is a formal communication to Congress rather than legislation that would implement changes within the state.
Rating Breakdown
ARTICLE I. RESPONSIBILITY IN GOVERNMENT (0)
This resolution does not address state government structure, operations, or fiscal responsibility. It is a procedural application to Congress for a constitutional convention and does not establish or modify Idaho's governmental framework or accountability mechanisms.
ARTICLE II. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT (0)
The resolution does not create or enhance mechanisms for citizen participation in Idaho state government. While it addresses federal term limits, it does not establish state-level processes for citizen engagement, transparency, or direct involvement in governance.
ARTICLE III. EDUCATION (0)
This resolution does not address education policy, school choice, curriculum standards, or any aspect of Idaho's educational system. The subject matter is entirely focused on federal congressional term limits.
ARTICLE IV. AGRICULTURE (0)
This resolution does not address agricultural policy, farming operations, ranching, or any aspect of Idaho's agricultural sector. The resolution's focus on congressional term limits has no connection to agriculture.
ARTICLE V. WATER (0)
This resolution does not address water rights, water management, irrigation, or any water-related policy. The subject matter is entirely focused on federal congressional term limits.
ARTICLE VI. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (0)
This resolution does not address natural resource management, environmental protection, conservation, or related policies. The resolution's focus on congressional term limits has no connection to natural resources or environmental issues.
ARTICLE VII. ENERGY (0)
This resolution does not address energy production, energy policy, or energy infrastructure. The subject matter is entirely focused on federal congressional term limits.
ARTICLE VIII. IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORIES (0)
This resolution does not address the Idaho National Laboratories, nuclear research, or related scientific activities. The resolution's focus on congressional term limits has no connection to INL operations or policy.
ARTICLE IX. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS (0)
This resolution does not address property rights, eminent domain, land use regulations, or property ownership. The subject matter is entirely focused on federal congressional term limits.
ARTICLE X. STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS (0)
This resolution does not address land management, federal land transfer, state land policy, or related issues. The resolution's focus on congressional term limits has no connection to land management policy.
ARTICLE XI. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (0)
This resolution does not address wildlife management, hunting, fishing, or conservation of wildlife resources. The subject matter is entirely focused on federal congressional term limits.
ARTICLE XII. ECONOMY (0)
This resolution does not address economic development, taxation, business regulation, or economic policy within Idaho. The resolution's focus on congressional term limits has no direct connection to state economic policy.
ARTICLE XIII. HEALTH AND WELFARE (0)
This resolution does not address healthcare policy, public health programs, welfare services, or related social services. The subject matter is entirely focused on federal congressional term limits.
ARTICLE XIV. AMERICAN FAMILY (0)
This resolution does not address family policy, parental rights, marriage, or family-related social issues. The resolution's focus on congressional term limits has no connection to family policy.
ARTICLE XV. OLDER AMERICANS (0)
This resolution does not address policies affecting senior citizens, retirement, elder care, or age-related services. The subject matter is entirely focused on federal congressional term limits.
ARTICLE XVI. LAW AND ORDER WITH JUSTICE (0)
This resolution does not address criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, or judicial processes within Idaho. The resolution's focus on congressional term limits has no connection to state law enforcement or justice policy.
ARTICLE XVII. NATIONAL DEFENSE – SECURING THE BORDER (0)
This resolution does not address border security, immigration enforcement, or national defense matters. The subject matter is entirely focused on federal congressional term limits.
ARTICLE XVIII. ELECTION OF JUDGES AND IDAHO SUPREME COURT JUSTICES (0)
This resolution does not address the selection, election, or appointment of Idaho judges or Supreme Court justices. The resolution's focus on congressional term limits has no connection to state judicial selection processes.
ARTICLE XIX. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (0)
This resolution does not address religious freedom, religious expression, or protection of religious practices. The subject matter is entirely focused on federal congressional term limits.