Texas Bolsters Call for Constitutional Reform with Passage of COS Resolution

In a landmark victory for advocates of limited government, Texas has officially passed House Joint Resolution 98 (HJR 98), reaffirming its support for a Convention of States (COS) under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. This decisive action, finalized in May 2025, solidifies Texas as a leading voice in the nationwide movement to curb federal overreach, impose fiscal restraints, and establish term limits for federal officials. The resolution’s passage marks a significant milestone, as it removes the expiration date from Texas’s earlier COS application, ensuring its enduring commitment to constitutional reform.

A Historic Step Forward

Texas first joined the COS movement in 2017, becoming the 11th state to pass a resolution calling for an Article V convention to propose amendments aimed at reducing the size, scope, and jurisdiction of the federal government. That original resolution, Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR 2), was a triumph for grassroots activists but included an eight-year sunset provision, set to expire in 2025. The passage of HJR 98, sponsored by Representative Cody Vasut in the Texas House and championed by Senator Brian Birdwell in the Senate, eliminates this expiration date, cementing Texas’s application as permanent.

The Texas House of Representatives passed HJR 98 in April 2025 with a decisive 86-57 vote, reflecting strong bipartisan support. The resolution then advanced to the Senate, where the State Affairs Committee held a hearing on May 5, 2025, to review its merits. The Senate’s approval, backed by a unified Republican majority, underscored Texas’s resolve to address what many see as a federal government overstepping its constitutional bounds.

The Convention of States: A Constitutional Solution

The COS movement, launched in 2013 by Citizens for Self-Governance, seeks to leverage Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which allows state legislatures to call a convention to propose amendments. These amendments must be ratified by 38 states to take effect, ensuring a high threshold for change. The COS resolution specifically targets three areas: imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government, limiting its power and jurisdiction, and establishing term limits for Congress and other federal officials.

Texas’s renewed commitment brings the total number of states with active COS resolutions to 19, moving the nation closer to the 34-state threshold required to convene a convention. Other states, including Georgia, Alaska, Florida, and Missouri, have also passed similar resolutions, reflecting growing concern over federal overreach, unsustainable debt, and regulatory burdens.

Grassroots Power and Legislative Leadership

The passage of HJR 98 is a testament to the tireless efforts of Texas’s grassroots activists, who have worked for over a decade to build support for the COS resolution. More than 125,000 COS volunteers across the state have organized meetings, educated citizens, and lobbied legislators, ensuring the issue remained a priority. Mark Meckler, President of the Convention of States Project, praised the Texas grassroots, stating, “Their strength and dedication have made Texas a shining beacon of liberty, hope, and inspiration for the entire nation.”

Key legislative figures played critical roles in navigating HJR 98 through the Texas Legislature. Representative Cody Vasut’s strategic leadership in the House and Senator Brian Birdwell’s articulate advocacy in the Senate were instrumental. The COS Texas team, including Legislative Liaison Michael Deffendall and State Director Shelby Williams, provided impactful testimony and maintained a strong presence in Austin, building on the foundation laid since 2017.

Addressing Federal Overreach

Proponents of the COS resolution argue that the federal government has strayed far from its constitutional limits, imposing burdensome regulations and amassing unsustainable debt. In Texas, leaders like Governor Greg Abbott have long championed the cause, declaring the COS resolution an emergency item in 2017 and endorsing the movement as early as 2016. Abbott has argued that systemic reform is necessary, stating, “All three branches of government have strayed from what the Constitution provides, and it’s going to take far too long to fix with just one president.”

Senator Birdwell echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the states’ role as the creators of the federal government. “The creation is never greater than the creator,” he said, highlighting the need to restore the balance of power envisioned by the Founders.

Opposition and Concerns

Despite its success, the COS resolution has faced opposition. Critics, including some conservatives, express concerns about the potential for a “runaway convention” that could overhaul the Constitution in unintended ways. The John Birch Society, for instance, has urged Texas legislators to rescind all Article V applications, advocating instead for nullification to counter federal overreach.

Supporters counter that the COS process is tightly constrained, with amendments limited to the resolution’s stated topics and requiring ratification by 38 states—a high bar that ensures only broadly supported changes are adopted. Mark Meckler has dismissed fears of a runaway convention as “fearmongering spread primarily by the radical left,” emphasizing the constitutional safeguards in place.

The Road Ahead

With HJR 98’s passage, Texas joins 18 other states in calling for a Convention of States, leaving 15 more needed to reach the 34-state threshold. The COS Project is actively working in states like Missouri, Iowa, and South Dakota to build momentum. In Texas, the focus now shifts to sustaining grassroots engagement and preparing for the 2027 legislative session, where activists aim to counter any efforts to weaken the resolution.

Shelby Williams, Texas COS State Director, stressed the broader mission: “Passing the COS resolution is a goal, but it’s not the mission. Our mission is to build an engaged grassroots army of self-governing activists to restore and preserve our liberty.” This vision underscores the importance of continued citizen involvement, from attending local government meetings to running for office, to ensure lasting change.

A Beacon of Liberty

Texas’s passage of HJR 98 is more than a legislative victory—it’s a bold statement that the Lone Star State will not stand idly by as federal power grows unchecked. By removing the expiration date from its COS application, Texas has reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of federalism, fiscal responsibility, and limited government. As the nation watches

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