Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish Legislative Term Limits.
Impact
This amendment would significantly impact legislative dynamics in Hawaii by enforcing a structured term limit, intended to rejuvenate the political landscape by promoting fresh perspectives among lawmakers. It also introduces a grandfather clause, ensuring that current legislators who have already exceeded the twelve-year limit will not be disadvantaged by this new regulation. As a result, while legislative turnover is facilitated, the experience of existing members is preserved to some extent, maintaining institutional knowledge within the government.
Summary
House Bill 626 proposes an amendment to Article III, Section 4 of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii, aiming to establish legislative term limits. The bill responds to public sentiment advocating for limits on legislative service duration, being influenced by concerns over career politicians and public corruption issues. Supporters of the bill emphasize that similar measures have been adopted in at least fifteen other states, which usually set term limits between six to twelve years. The proposed amendment seeks to limit legislators to a maximum of twelve years of total service in either the house of representatives or the senate, starting with terms from the general election in 2024.
Contention
Debate surrounding HB 626 is expected to reflect underlying tensions related to governance and public accountability. Proponents assert that term limits will decrease opportunities for entrenched political power and corruption, thereby enhancing democratic responsiveness. Conversely, critics may argue that such a measure could lead to a loss of experienced legislators, thereby weakening institutional effectiveness and continuity in policymaking. The discussions are likely to probe deeper into the balance between the benefits of new representatives and the potential loss of knowledge and expertise in the legislative process.
Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Limit The Total Number Of Years That Any Person May Serve As A State Legislator.