Under Article V of the United States Constitution, Congress must call a convention upon the application of the Legislatures of two-thirds of the states to consider proposed amendments to the Constitution. Proposed amendments must then be ratified by three-fourths of the states.
This bill would adopt the Compact for a Balanced Budget to facilitate the calling of an Article V constitutional convention with the intent of amending the United States Constitution to include a balanced budget requirement for Congress.
The Compact would govern membership and withdrawal of Compact members, establish the compact Commission to promote the Compact and to coordinate performance of obligations under the Compact, provide procedures for applying for an Article V constitutional convention, specify qualifications and duties of convention delegates, and establish rules for the convention.
Indefinitely Postponed
Smitherman motion to Carry Over adopted Voice Vote
Rules Petition to Cease Debate adopted Roll Call 435
Allen Amendment Offered
Third Reading Carried Over
Allen motion to Carry Over adopted Voice Vote
Third Reading Carried Over
Marsh motion to Carry Over adopted Voice Vote
Allen motion to Adopt adopted Roll Call 316
Holtzclaw Amendment Offered
Third Reading Carried Over
Read for the second time and placed on the calendar
Read for the first time and referred to the Senate committee on Constitution, Ethics and Elections
Source: Alabama Legislature