Georgia House Bill HR257

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/23

Caption

Congress; call a convention to set term limits on members elected to the House of Representatives; request

Impact

Should HR257 pass, the implications for state laws would primarily revolve around enhancing local government's capacity to advocate for a federal constitutional amendment. The resolution emphasizes collective action with that of other states, adhering to the requirement of two-thirds of states for Congress to convene a convention. This could lead to a more engaged electorate and encourage state governments to push for reforms aligning with constituents’ desires for term limits, which in turn might affect state-level political dynamics.

Summary

House Resolution 257 (HR257) proposes a request for the United States Congress to call a convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The resolution aims to limit the number of terms that individuals can serve as members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The proponents believe that instituting such limits will benefit citizens by reducing the tendency for career politicians, fostering a fresher perspective in governance, and enhancing accountability within the legislative bodies.

Contention

Notably, the resolution does indicate a concern for the potential misuse of the convention process. HR257 explicitly calls for a narrow focus on term limits, including a clause demanding strict penalties for violations of the finite scope of the convention. This cautious approach reflects underlying apprehensions about the broader implications of a constitutional convention possibly leading to unintended constitutional changes beyond term limits.