IN
Indiana House Bill HJR0003

Indiana 2024 Regular Session

Indiana House Bill HJR0003

Introduced
1/10/24  
Refer
1/10/24  
Report Pass
1/25/24  
Engrossed
1/30/24  

Caption

Terms of US Senators and members of Congress.

Impact

If HJR0003 were to lead to the proposed amendments being adopted, it would require significant changes to the operation of Congress, fundamentally altering how representatives and senators are elected and serve in office. The bill seeks to unify various state applications under Article V of the Constitution, aiming for a two-thirds agreement among states to prompt Congress to hold a convention addressing this topic. This could lead to widespread changes not only in Indiana but in how Congress operates at the national level.

Summary

House Joint Resolution 3 (HJR0003) requests Congress to call a convention for proposing amendments to the United States Constitution that would impose term limits on members of Congress. The resolution underscores the sentiment among certain state lawmakers in Indiana that the lengthy tenure of current congressional members may lead to a disconnect from their constituents and bureaucratic stagnation. By seeking to limit terms, the bill aims for a frequent renewal of perspective and representation in Congress.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HJR0003 appears to be supportive among its sponsors and some legislators, who advocate for a revitalization of political engagement and accountability through term limits. However, there remains contention regarding the wisdom of such an approach, with opponents arguing that term limits could hinder experienced lawmakers from making substantial contributions. The debate revolves around whether such legislative measures are truly beneficial for governance or if they might inadvertently reduce the effectiveness of legislative bodies.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns about the effectiveness of term limits in achieving the intended goal of improved representation and transparency. Critics argue that limiting terms may result in a loss of experienced legislators who are familiar with complex legislative processes and can leverage their knowledge for effective governance. Furthermore, there is apprehension about potential unintended consequences, such as increased lobbying influence and the rise of unelected bureaucrats in the absence of seasoned officials.

Latest HJR0003 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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