RELATING TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY -- TERM LIMITS FOR MEMBERS OF THE, GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Impact
The bill specifically states that service in the House of Representatives will be counted separately from the Senate, allowing members to transition between the two chambers, provided they adhere to the twelve-year limit in each. Furthermore, any partial term exceeding one year will count toward the limit, while terms of one year or less will not be considered. This prospective application is crucial as it ensures that only terms served after the bill's effective date contribute to the twelve-year total, thus safeguarding any previously served terms from affecting the new regulations.
Summary
House Bill 7983 aims to establish a term limit of twelve years for members of the General Assembly in Rhode Island. The bill proposes that no individual can serve more than twelve years in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, thus promoting new leadership and reducing the concentration of political power. The legislation emphasizes fostering public trust and encouraging civic engagement through these limits, as it is believed that reasonable term limits could enhance accountability among elected officials.
Contention
There may be varying opinions regarding the necessity and implications of such term limits. Proponents argue that limiting terms is essential to prevent stagnation and encourage the infusion of fresh ideas into governance, thereby enhancing the representation of the constituents' needs. On the contrary, opponents might see this approach as a restriction on voters’ choices, potentially sidelining experienced legislators who could effectively serve the state. The discussions surrounding HB 7983 are likely to reflect a broader debate about the balance between institutional knowledge and the need for political renewal.
Prohibits lobbyists from making any political contributions to any member of the general assembly from January 1 through July 1 in any year, unless the general assembly adjourns for the year prior to July 1.
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- FOUR YEAR TERMS AND TERM LIMITS FOR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS (Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, that would create four (4) year terms for general assembly members and impose term limits of three (3) full four (4) year terms on said members commencing with the 2028 election.)
Requires the rule adopting agency to send a copy of the certified rule to all members of the general assembly, within twenty (20) days of filing a final rule.
Provides that fees for costs charged for search, retrieval or copying of public records shall be waived for members of the general assembly who certify that they are acting in their official capacity.
Provides that fees for costs charged for search, retrieval or copying of public records shall be waived for members of the general assembly who certify that they are acting in their official capacity.
JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- FOUR YEAR TERMS FOR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS (Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, that would allow four (4) year terms for general assembly members, commencing with the 2028 election.)
Directs the general assembly to fund ten full time equivalent positions in FY 2026 to support DEM's efforts in the areas of forestry and forestry projects.