Bill Analyses and Ratings
Bill Information: HCR025 – Article V Convention for Balanced Budget Amendment
Bill Summary
House Concurrent Resolution No. 25 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 balanced budget amendment. The proposed amendment would require that total federal outlays for any fiscal year not exceed total estimated federal revenues for that year, except in cases of national emergency, along with related fiscal restraints.
The resolution cites the massive federal debt as endangering the U.S. government, economy, and national defense. It references the historical precedent of Congress proposing amendments when states approach the two-thirds threshold needed for an Article V convention, noting President Reagan’s advocacy for this “thirty-three state strategy.” The application remains active until two-thirds of states apply on the same subject or until December 31, 2033, whichever occurs first. The resolution directs that copies be transmitted to the President, congressional leadership, Idaho’s congressional delegation, and presiding officers of all state legislatures to request their cooperation. This application supersedes all previous Idaho applications on the same subject.
Overall Assessment
This resolution receives a total score of 0 across all evaluation metrics. While the resolution addresses federal fiscal policy through its call for a balanced budget amendment, it operates entirely at the federal constitutional level rather than establishing state-level policies or governance structures. The evaluation framework assesses state legislative actions and their direct impacts on Idaho governance, policy implementation, and citizen welfare.
The resolution’s focus on initiating a federal constitutional convention places it outside the scope of the state-focused evaluation criteria. The metrics are designed to evaluate how legislation affects Idaho’s responsibility in government, natural resources, education systems, healthcare delivery, and other state-level policy areas. Since this resolution merely petitions for federal action without creating state law, appropriating funds, or establishing state programs or policies, it does not engage with any of the substantive policy areas covered by the evaluation framework.
Rating Breakdown
ARTICLE I. RESPONSIBILITY IN GOVERNMENT (0)
This resolution does not establish state-level governance structures, fiscal policies, or administrative procedures for Idaho. It petitions the federal government to call a constitutional convention but creates no state laws or policies regarding responsible government operations within Idaho.
ARTICLE II. CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT (0)
The resolution does not address citizen participation in Idaho's governmental processes, transparency measures, or public engagement mechanisms. It is a legislative petition to the federal government that does not create opportunities for or barriers to citizen involvement at the state level.
ARTICLE III. EDUCATION (0)
This resolution has no connection to education policy, school funding, curriculum standards, or educational programs in Idaho. It addresses federal constitutional procedures rather than state educational matters.
ARTICLE IV. AGRICULTURE (0)
The resolution does not address agricultural policy, farming practices, livestock management, or rural economic development. Its focus on federal constitutional procedures is unrelated to Idaho's agricultural sector.
ARTICLE V. WATER (0)
This resolution contains no provisions related to water rights, water quality, irrigation, or water resource management. It does not impact Idaho's water policy or administration.
ARTICLE VI. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (0)
The resolution does not address natural resource management, environmental protection, conservation efforts, or land use policies. It is focused solely on federal constitutional procedures.
ARTICLE VII. ENERGY (0)
This resolution has no bearing on energy production, distribution, regulation, or policy within Idaho. It does not address renewable energy, fossil fuels, or energy infrastructure.
ARTICLE VIII. IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORIES (0)
The resolution makes no reference to Idaho National Laboratories, nuclear research, or related economic development. It does not impact 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 protections. It focuses on federal fiscal procedures rather than property law.
ARTICLE X. STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS (0)
The resolution does not concern land management, transfer of federal lands, or state land policy. Its subject matter is unrelated to land ownership or administration.
ARTICLE XI. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (0)
This resolution has no connection to wildlife conservation, hunting regulations, habitat protection, or species management. It does not impact Idaho's wildlife policies.
ARTICLE XII. ECONOMY (0)
While the resolution references federal debt and fiscal concerns, it does not establish state economic policy, create business regulations, or implement economic development programs in Idaho. It is a petition for federal action rather than state economic legislation.
ARTICLE XIII. HEALTH AND WELFARE (0)
The resolution does not address healthcare delivery, public health programs, welfare services, or social safety net provisions. It has no impact on Idaho's health and welfare systems.
ARTICLE XIV. AMERICAN FAMILY (0)
This resolution contains no provisions related to family policy, parental rights, marriage, or child welfare. It does not address family-related issues at the state level.
ARTICLE XV. OLDER AMERICANS (0)
The resolution does not address senior services, retirement security, elder care, or policies affecting older Idahoans. It has no bearing on programs or protections for senior citizens.
ARTICLE XVI. LAW AND ORDER WITH JUSTICE (0)
This resolution does not concern criminal justice, law enforcement, court procedures, or public safety policies. It does not impact Idaho's justice system or law enforcement operations.
ARTICLE XVII. NATIONAL DEFENSE – SECURING THE BORDER (0)
While the resolution mentions national defense in its justification for fiscal restraint, it does not establish border security measures, immigration enforcement policies, or defense-related programs at the state level.
ARTICLE XVIII. ELECTION OF JUDGES AND IDAHO SUPREME COURT JUSTICES (0)
The resolution does not address judicial selection, court structure, or the Idaho Supreme Court. It has no bearing on the state's judicial system.
ARTICLE XIX. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (0)
This resolution contains no provisions related to religious freedom, conscience protections, or the exercise of religious beliefs. It does not impact religious liberty in Idaho.