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SD SJR502

Joint Resolution

Status

Engrossed

1/26/2026

Primary Sponsor

Greg Jamison

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • South Dakota applies to Congress under Article V to call a constitutional convention for the sole purpose of proposing an amendment fixing the U.S. Supreme Court at 9 justices (one chief justice and eight associate justices)

  • The resolution cites historical manipulation of court size for political purposes, including reductions in 1801 and 1866 to deny presidents appointment opportunities, and FDR's failed 1937 court-packing attempt

  • The Secretary of State must transmit copies to U.S. Senate and House leadership, both Judiciary Committee chairs, and presiding officers of all state legislatures

  • The application remains in effect until two-thirds of state legislatures (34 states) submit similar applications calling for this specific convention

  • The application may only be aggregated with other state applications addressing the same Supreme Court size issue, not with applications for conventions on other topics

Legislative Description

Applying to the United States Congress under Article V of the United States Constitution to call for a convention proposing an amendment to the constitution fixing the number of justices of the United States Supreme Court at one chief justice and eight associate justices.

Senate Joint Resolution

Last Action

State Affairs Deferred to the 41st legislative day, Passed, YEAS 12, NAYS 0.

2/25/2026

Committee Referrals

State Affairs1/28/2026
State Affairs1/13/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available