HJM 4011
In CommitteeHouse
Free and fair elections
Asking Congress to call a limited convention, authorized under Article V of the United States Constitution, for the purpose of proposing a free and fair elections amendment to that Constitution.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
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- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This joint memorial asks the U.S. Congress to call a national convention to propose constitutional amendments limiting the influence of money in elections—particularly in response to the Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court decision—and to restore voter control over elections. It is not a law but a formal request from Washington’s legislature to other states and the federal government to act together.
- Formally petitions the U.S. Congress to call an Article V convention to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution, specifically to address concerns about excessive political spending and its impact on democratic representation.
- Supports limiting the power of delegates to such a convention to only propose amendments related to campaign finance reform and election integrity, and proposes that delegates be selected equally from current state/local officeholders or by election in each congressional district.
- Prohibits individuals who have ever held federal office (current or past) from serving as delegates to the proposed convention.
- Declares this resolution to be a continuing application, meaning it remains in effect and will be combined with similar resolutions from other states until two-thirds of states (38 total) have applied for such a convention and Congress calls it.
- Directs the transmission of this memorial to the U.S. President, members of Congress, governors, and state legislative leaders nationwide to encourage broader support.
Who is affected
- Washington voters — Washington State residents who vote in federal and state elections, as the resolution seeks to limit the influence of money in politics and restore voter control over elected officials.
- Political candidates and officeholders — Candidates and elected officials at the federal and state level, as the resolution aims to reduce the impact of large political donations and independent spending on election outcomes.
- State and local election administrators — State and local government employees and agencies involved in election administration, who may be asked to implement future constitutional amendments related to campaign finance or election rules.
- Other state legislatures — Other state legislatures across the U.S., as Washington is formally urging them to join in calling for a national convention to propose constitutional amendments.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (3)
If successful, this memorial could significantly reduce the disproportionate influence of wealthy donors and special interests in federal elections—restoring voter control over elected officials and making Congress more responsive to the will of everyday people rather than big-money donors.
Rights & LibertiesPeopleRef: Preamble & WHEREAS Clauses (‘dependency on the people alone’)Limiting independent political spending would likely increase electoral competition for candidates without access to wealthy donors, potentially enabling more diverse and grassroots candidates—especially women, people of color, and working-class individuals—to run and win federal office.
Rights & LibertiesPeopleRef: WHEREAS: ‘removal of those restrictions has resulted in the unjust influence of powerful economic forces’By requiring delegate selection via district elections or equal representation from state/local officeholders, the resolution increases direct public participation in constitutional reform—potentially empowering local civic engagement and restoring trust in democratic institutions.
Local GovernmentLean peopleRef: Section: ‘delegates be selected equally from current state/local officeholders or by election in each congressional district’
Potential Concerns (3)
The resolution expresses a legitimate democratic concern about money’s influence in elections, but the *actual mechanism*—an Article V convention—carries structural risks to democratic stability, including the possibility of unintended constitutional overhauls beyond campaign finance, which could erode rights like free speech or due process if poorly constrained.
Rights & LibertiesLean peopleRef: Preamble & WHEREAS Clauses (Citizens United concern)While well-intentioned, the ban on former federal officeholders as delegates may unintentionally exclude experienced constitutional experts and institutional knowledge, potentially weakening the quality of proposed amendments and increasing reliance on less experienced delegates—delaying or diluting reform effectiveness.
Local GovernmentRef: Section: 'Prohibits individuals who have ever held federal office (current or past) from serving as delegates'As a continuing application, this memorial commits legislative resources indefinitely to advocacy and coordination with other states, which may divert attention and staff time from other pressing state legislative priorities—particularly burdensome for small-state legislatures with limited capacity.
Local GovernmentRef: Section: 'Continuing application' clause
Who Is Most Affected
Voters—especially those with lower incomes or from marginalized communities—stand to gain the most if campaign finance limits are enacted, as their voices would carry more weight relative to wealthy donors. However, if the convention produces amendments that weaken voting rights or expand corporate personhood, they could be harmed.
Incumbent officeholders—especially those benefiting from large donors or Super PAC support—may face reduced fundraising advantages and increased accountability to constituents. Newer or less-funded candidates could benefit from a more level playing field.
Election administrators may face new administrative burdens if federal amendments require new disclosure, reporting, or enforcement systems—but could also benefit from clearer legal frameworks and reduced litigation over campaign finance rules.
Other state legislatures—especially those in politically competitive or conservative states—may be incentivized to join, but could also resist if they fear federal overreach or perceive the convention as risky. This could shift intergovernmental dynamics and partisan balance.