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Read. Follow. Verify.Kentucky applies for Article V convention to impose federal fiscal restraints and term limits
Last action · January 22, 2026: to Committee on Committees (S)
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What This Bill Proposed
Kentucky lawmakers apply to Congress under Article V of the U.S. Constitution for a convention of states to propose amendments limiting federal power, imposing fiscal restraint, and establishing congressional term limits. The measure directs the Secretary of State to transmit copies of the resolution to specific federal and state officials and declares the application continuing until two-thirds of state legislatures submit similar requests.
The resolution formally registers Kentucky's legislative demand for a national constitutional convention, contributing toward the two-thirds threshold required under Article V to force a convention without congressional approval.
- Article V of the United States Constitution provides two methods for proposing amendments: through Congress by a two-thirds vote in both houses, or through a convention called by Congress upon the application of two-thirds of the state legislatures. context
- SJR 51 was introduced in the Kentucky upper house during the 2026 regular session and referred to the Committee on Committees. context
Who It Would Have Affected
Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Federal government officials and members of Congress
Subject to proposed constitutional amendments concerning term limits, jurisdiction limits, and fiscal restraints.
Secretary Of State
Required to send copies of the joint resolution to specific federal and state officials.
State legislatures nationwide
Contribute toward the cumulative two-thirds threshold required to trigger an Article V convention.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SJR 51 ask Congress to do?
What specific topics would the convention address?
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
This resolution did not become law - Died at adjournment · in Senate committee.
Procedural history
2 actions- Jan 22, 2026SenateCommitteeto Committee on Committees (S)
- Jan 22, 2026SenateIntroducedintroduced in Senate
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Connected Entities
Sources
apps.legislature.ky.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance20Lowered because this bill did not pass (its text scored 60)
- Controversy75Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz35Current news / social attention level
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