State Lawmakers Advance Convention of States Proposal
Nebraska inched closer last Thursday to joining other states in a call for a special convention to make changes to the U.S. Constitution.
The measure won second-round approval in the Legislature despite objections from some lawmakers that it could lead to unintended consequences. One final vote is required.
Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings proposed the measure to try to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit federal power and impose term limits on federal officials.
Calling a convention would require approval from two-thirds of U.S. states. So far, 15 have done so out of the needed 34 to trigger the convention.
“The likelihood that all these states are going to be able to pass this and be able to call (the convention) is very slim, but the message it sends is impactful,” said state Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha.
Lawmakers reached a compromise with an amendment that Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Bennington called an “olive branch” that would let the call expire in February 2027. The measure advanced on a 32-8 vote.
This report contains material from the Unicameral Information Office.
User login
Omaha Daily Record
The Daily Record
222 South 72nd Street, Suite 302
Omaha, Nebraska
68114
United States
Tele (402) 345-1303
Fax (402) 345-2351