Bill to set rules for Article V convention delegates fails to advance after public testimony

Senate Bill 549, presented by Senator Sturtevant, would establish procedures for appointment and conduct of delegates if an Article V convention to amend the U.S. Constitution were ever called. The patron said the bill does not call for a convention but would create guardrails — including ethics rules and removal requirements — should one be convened.

Two public commenters spoke in favor. Josephine Gilbert, identified herself as a Northern Virginia resident, saying the Commonwealth is "dangerously exposed" and arguing that Virginia currently has "0 laws to select and control those individuals that you choose and send to observe and act." She urged passage of SB 549 to prevent "misgrant delegates from out of state." Nancy Kernick of Scottsville asked the committee to grant a Senate floor hearing and described the bill as a protection for the Commonwealth; she said SB 549 includes qualifications for commissioners and establishes a class 5 penalty for commissioners who fail to follow the will of the General Assembly.

The committee moved to report SB 549, but the motion failed on a recorded vote (Ayes 4, No 10). The bill therefore did not advance from Rules. The patron emphasized the measure is intended as preparatory guardrails and not an advocacy for calling a convention.