Resolution Proposing A State Constitutional Amendment Concerning Twelve-year Term Limits For Legislators And Constitutional Officers.
Summary
HJ00009 is a proposed state constitutional amendment that would impose twelve-year term limits on members of the General Assembly and on constitutional officers. Specifically, it would amend Article Third, Section 10 to bar any state senator or state representative from serving more than twelve years in that office, and amend Article Fourth, Section 2 to bar any constitutional officer from serving more than twelve years in that office. The resolution’s stated purpose is to limit the length of service for certain state-elected officials.
Because this is a constitutional amendment resolution rather than ordinary statutory legislation, it would change the state constitution if approved through the required legislative and voter-approval process. The practical effect would be to restrict eligibility for continued service in the legislature and in constitutional offices such as statewide executive positions covered by Article Fourth, creating a hard cap on tenure for those offices.
Impact
If adopted, the resolution would amend the state constitution to create enforceable twelve-year term limits for state senators, state representatives, and constitutional officers. It would not directly alter a statute, but would supersede any inconsistent laws or practices and require election officials and affected officeholders to comply with the new constitutional eligibility limits. The measure would affect current and future legislators and constitutional officers by limiting how long they may remain in office.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript or vote history, so there is no documented debate or recorded sentiment from hearings or floor action. Based on the bill text alone, the proposal appears to reflect a reform-oriented, anti-incumbency sentiment aimed at limiting long-term tenure in state office. However, without discussion or votes, support and opposition cannot be measured from the provided materials.
Contention
The main likely point of contention is whether term limits improve accountability and turnover or instead reduce institutional experience and voter choice. Supporters would generally favor the measure as a way to prevent career politicians and encourage rotation in office, while opponents would likely argue that it removes experienced lawmakers and constitutional officers even when voters want to reelect them. No specific individuals or groups are identified in the provided record as taking either side.