Senate committee endorses joint resolution urging federal term limits, draws large, mixed public turnout

The committee unanimously forwarded SJR004, a joint resolution urging federal term limits and signaling that the states may pursue Article V options if Congress does not act, after a long hearing with broad public testimony.

Sponsor Sen. Stevenson framed the resolution as a nonpartisan institutional reform that would pressure Congress to set term limits and restore responsiveness. Supporters, including civic groups and Forward Party representatives, called Article V an appropriate constitutional mechanism for states to push Congress; they argued the resolution is an exercise of state leverage rather than an invitation to an open, unlimited convention.

Opponents—ranging from constitutional scholars to groups such as the Utah Eagle Forum—warned that an Article V convention could be open and unpredictable, risking the broader constitution. Several commenters suggested the Legislature should consider term limits for itself before pursuing national action.

Committee members debated constitutional authority and Article V precedent. Constantine (a speaker in support) and others argued the Article V process has historical precedent as a states' tool to pressure Congress; critics cited 1787 and other history to caution against an unconstrained convention.

After extended debate and public comment, the committee voted to recommend the resolution favorably to the Senate floor.