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HB0121

HB0121: Limitations on Wyoming Delegates to an Article V Convention

Last scannedOct 19, 2026, 2:19 AM

In one sentence

This bill would restrict what Wyoming delegates can vote for at a U.S. constitutional convention and set penalties for breaking those rules, but it did not pass.

What it does

  • Defines terms like 'Article V convention' and 'unauthorized amendment' for Wyoming law.
  • Prohibits Wyoming delegates from voting to allow consideration of or approve any amendment that is outside the subject matter of the state's application or contrary to legislative instructions.
  • Requires delegates to take an oath promising not to vote for unauthorized amendments.
  • Makes it a felony for a delegate to violate this oath, with penalties of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
  • Requires the Secretary of State to certify delegates in writing before they can serve or vote.
  • Allows the Attorney General to enforce these rules and permits Wyoming citizens to sue to enforce them, with the right to recover attorney's fees if they win.
  • Clarifies that references to a 'state convention' in existing laws refer to a state ratifying convention.

Who it affects

  • Delegates and alternates selected by Wyoming to attend an Article V convention.
  • The Wyoming Secretary of State, who must certify delegates and manage replacements.
  • The Wyoming Attorney General, who is responsible for enforcing the rules.
  • Wyoming citizens, who may file a lawsuit to enforce the rules and receive legal fees if they succeed.

Limits and unknowns

  • This bill did not pass in the 2015 session and was postponed indefinitely.
  • The bill only applies if an Article V convention is actually called by Congress.
  • The source text does not specify the exact process for how the legislature would formally recall a delegate in practice, only that it would be done by an official or executive branch committee authorized by a resolution.

Plain language

Terms to know

Article V convention
A convention for proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution, as provided in Article V of the Constitution.
Unauthorized amendment
A proposed amendment that is outside the subject matter contained in the state's Article V application or contrary to legislative instructions.
Legislative instructions
Instructions given by the Wyoming state legislature to its delegates before and during an Article V convention.

Official record

Sources

Source checked
Read the official summary

Summary for LSO115 Bill No.: HB0121 Effective : [BillEffectiveDate_RO] LSO No.: 15LSO-0382 Enrolled Act No.: HEA Chapter No.: [Chapter Number_RO] Prime Sponsor: Laursen Catch Title: Article V convention limitations. Subject: Limitations for delegate to an Article V convention. Summary/Major Elements: Article V of the U.S. Constitution provides for Congress to call a convention for proposing amendments to the Constitution. This bill establishes requirements for delegates to an Article V convention including prohibiting voting in favor of any amendment the delegate is not authorized to vote for. The bill also provides a penalty for a delegate violating the oath required for any delegate to an Article V convention. NOTE: Final action on this bill was not taken at the time this summary was prepared. Should changes be made to the bill upon final passage, an updated summary will be prepared and placed upon the legislative website at www.legisweb.gov . A packet of updated summaries will be sent to all legislators after the time for any veto has expired (fifteen days after adjournment). The above summary is not an official publication of the Wyoming Legislature and is not an official statement of legislative intent. While the Legislative Service Office endeavored to provide accurate information in this summary, it should not be relied upon as a comprehensive abstract of the bill.

Public statements

Why lawmakers voted

Last checked Aug 7, 4:07 AM

Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker states they will likely vote against the bill because it represents their last opportunity to ensure the legislation passes.

Public statementFloor statement at 32:56 Watch the statement
Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker urges a no vote because the current report differs from what was agreed upon in the conference committee and asks members to follow established precedence.

Public statementFloor statement at 33:15 Watch the statement
Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker urges a no vote because the current version is not what was agreed upon in committee and they feel they signed under duress previously.

Public statementFloor statement at 34:15 Watch the statement
Voted No

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker opposes the concurrence because they believe it usurps the power of the legislative body to select delegates in a tried and true process.

Public statementFloor statement at 34:54 Watch the statement
Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker supports the bill to establish a statutory structure that determines how delegates are selected for an Article V convention and mandates their voting behavior.

Public statementFloor statement at 2:07:48 Watch the statement
Voted Yes

Why they voted this way

The lawmaker explains that the amendment is necessary to add clarifying language about 'ratifying or ratifying convention' to align with existing statutes regarding constitutional amendments.

Public statementFloor statement at 1:01:50 Watch the statement

If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.

Wyoming roll calls

Recorded votes

6 roll calls

H Did Not Adopt HB0121JC001: 1-58-1-0-02015-03-05 · House1 yes 58 no
H Concur:Failed 19-39-2-0-02015-02-27 · House19 yes 39 no
S 3rd Reading:Passed 17-13-0-0-02015-02-27 · Senate17 yes 13 no
Rules:Recommend Amend and Do Pass 3-2-0-0-02015-02-25 · Senate3 yes 2 no
H 3rd Reading:Passed 44-15-1-0-02015-02-05 · House44 yes 15 no
Judiciary:Recommend Amend and Do Pass 7-2-0-0-02015-01-30 · House7 yes 2 no

Official activity

Bill history

  1. H postponed indefinitelyHouse
  2. S Appointed JCC02 MembersSenate
  3. H Appointed JCC02 MembersHouse
  4. H Did Not Adopt HB0121JC001: 1-58-1-0-0House
  5. S Appointed JCC01 MembersSenate
  6. H Appointed JCC01 MembersHouse
  7. H Concur:Failed 19-39-2-0-0House
  8. H Received for ConcurrenceHouse
  9. S 3rd Reading:Passed 17-13-0-0-0Senate
  10. S 2nd Reading:PassedSenate
  11. S COW:PassedSenate
  12. Amendment AdoptedSenate
  13. S Placed on General FileSenate
  14. Rules:Recommend Amend and Do Pass 3-2-0-0-0Senate
  15. S Introduced and Referred to S12 - RulesSenate
  16. S Received for IntroductionSenate
  17. H 3rd Reading:Passed 44-15-1-0-0House
  18. Amendment AdoptedHouse
  19. H 2nd Reading:PassedHouse
  20. H COW:PassedHouse

Changes

Amendments

4 stored

HB0121H3001

Adopted 3rd reading by Winters

HB0121JC001

H Failed Conference Committee

HB0121HS001

Adopted Standing Committee by HJudiciary

HB0121SS001

Adopted Standing Committee by SRules