Proposing An Amendment To Article Iii, Section 4, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish Term Limits For Legislators.
If passed, HB1703 would create a constitutional limit on the tenure of legislators in Hawaii, thereby institutionalizing a twelve-year cap on legislative service. This amendment aims to prevent individuals from holding onto political power for extended periods and is expected to potentially create opportunities for new candidates and ideas within the Hawaiian legislature. Furthermore, the bill includes a grandfather clause to ensure that current legislators who have already served beyond the proposed term limit are not disqualified from continuing their service.
House Bill 1703 proposes an amendment to Article III, Section 4 of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii aimed at establishing term limits for legislators. The bill suggests that no member of the legislature may serve more than a total of twelve years in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, or both, for terms commencing after the general election of 2024. This change is framed within a broader context of public sentiment, as highlighted by a 2023 Pew Research study indicating significant support among Americans for legislative term limits, driven largely by concerns over career politicians and public corruption.
The proposed bill is likely to inspire debate among legislators and constituents alike. Proponents argue that term limits would enhance democratic governance by reducing the influence of long-serving incumbents and introducing greater competition in elections. Opponents may contend that such restrictions could lead to a loss of experienced legislators, undermining the effectiveness and continuity of governance. Additionally, discussions surrounding the bill will also focus on how its implementation could affect the legislative process and the balance of power within the government.