Louisiana Senate Bill SCR29

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/31/20
• Refer: 5/4/20

Caption

Memorializes Congress to call a convention to amend the constitution to establish term limits for members of the United States House of Representatives and Senate.

Impact

If adopted, SCR29 would push for significant changes in the political landscape by limiting the number of terms that members of Congress could serve. Proponents of this resolution argue that term limits would facilitate the rotation of legislators, reducing the overwhelming influence of special interests and enabling a broader representation of voters' interests. This would be a shift towards a system that encourages fresh leadership and reduces the entrenchment of wealthy incumbents who may prioritize their re-election over public service.

Summary

SCR29 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution proposed by Senator Hewitt and Representative Wright that calls upon the United States Congress to convene a convention under Article V of the Constitution. The purpose of this convention would be to consider amending the Constitution to establish term limits for members of both the United States House of Representatives and the Senate. The resolution highlights the growing concern regarding the power and influence of long-term incumbents in Congress and the need for new ideas and perspectives in legislative processes.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR29 is largely supportive among those who advocate for political reform and accountability in government. Many citizens view the lack of term limits as a barrier to effective governance, expressing that fresh perspectives are crucial for the dynamic nature of legislative work. However, there are also concerns voiced by some critics who believe that imposing term limits may lead to a loss of experienced legislators, potentially weakening the overall legislative effectiveness and capability in responding to complex issues.

Contention

Key points of contention revolve around the effectiveness and consequences of term limits themselves. While supporters emphasize the need for legislative turnover and the incorporation of diverse viewpoints, detractors worry that term limits might result in inexperienced legislators taking office, which could complicate governance and policy-making. The resolution also seeks to establish a precedent for similar movements across states, emphasizing the ongoing debate regarding state versus federal authority in shaping legislative frameworks.