Washington SJM8018: Affirming State Sovereignty

15. Jan, 2010 Written
by: Michael Boldin Comments 1

Introduced yesterday in Washington State is Senate Joint Memorial 8018 (SJM801. http://dlr.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/defau ... &bill=8018
If passed, the resolution would make the position of the legislature as follows:

(1) That the State of Washington hereby claims sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the United States Constitution; and

(2) That this serve as a Notice and Demand to the federal government, as our agent, to cease and desist, effective immediately, mandates that are beyond the scope of its constitutionally delegated powers.

While non-binding, introduction of such resolutions in dozens of states around the country have brought the principles of the 10th Amendment to the public discussion. Passage, which can often be easier for a non-binding statement, has also made fertile ground for follow-up legislation, “with teeth.â€