Imposes term limits of three consecutive terms or twelve years for members of the legislature

1 Co-sponsor

• Rich Funke

BILL NUMBER:S943

Title of bill

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment to section 2 of article 3 of the constitution, in relation to imposing term limits for members of the legislature

Purpose or general idea of bill

Provides that commencing in 2018 and thereafter, members of the legislature shall not serve more than three consecutive terms or 12 years, whichever is longer.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends section 2 of article 3 of the constitution to impose term limits of three consecutive terms or 12 years, whichever is longer commencing in 2018.

Justification

History has shown that legislative bodies without term limits can easily become ineffectual, and at worst dysfunctional, due to the lack of new ideas and entrenchment of senior legislators who become concerned with maintaining their positions rather than doing the public's business.

Unfortunately, the proposition that an election is the "ultimate" form of term limits fails due simply to the extreme power of the incumbency. Opponents of term limits argue that imposition of such laws takes away the power of citizens to choose their leaders. Yet such arguments fail to acknowledge the nature of the electoral process in the lack of true choice that is provided to voters. Millions of dollars are spent by political parties and 3rd party special interest in promoting their candidates of choice, especially those incumbents that have remained in office and are a known commodity to their affiliated parties and constituencies. Furthermore, it is extremely difficult for unknown new candidates, who may be full of fresh ideas, to get their voices heard when they are challenging an extremely well financed incumbent whose name recognition alone would be sufficient to win an election.

Therefore, reasonable term limits are necessary to strike a balance in the democratic process of free and fair elections where voters are able to honestly consider new candidates who can bring fresh ideas, as well as those elected officials who have served them well and have had sufficient time in office to offer their best public service to their state. 12 years is a sufficient time to provide turn over and yet maintain institutional memory.

Prior legislative history

2013-2014, S.324-A 2011-2012, S.3298

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

None

Effective date

This amendment would take effect after approval of the voters by referendum.