Kentucky Senate Bill SJR24

Kentucky 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/22
• Refer: 1/6/22
• Refer: 1/13/22

Caption

A JOINT RESOLUTION applying for an Article V convention to propose an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to set a limit on the number of terms of office for members of Congress.

Impact

If passed, SJR24 could significantly alter the framework of congressional service by imposing restrictions on how many terms members can serve. This aligns with a growing national sentiment among some political factions advocating for reduced incumbency advantages, fostering a more dynamic political landscape. It’s expected this amendment would promote a shift in legislative accountability and could influence the way political campaigns are conducted when former incumbents cannot seek re-election, encouraging new candidates and ideas to emerge in Congress.

Summary

SJR24 is a joint resolution applying for an Article V convention to propose an amendment to the United States Constitution that would set term limits for members of Congress. The resolution stipulates that while individual states cannot impose term limits through state statutes, they can collectively call for an amendment through the convention process outlined in Article V. The purpose of introducing term limits is to promote a more equitable political environment by preventing the perpetual re-election of long-standing members and to encourage leadership based on merit rather than political advantage or tenure.

Sentiment

The general sentiment towards SJR24 appears to be supportive among proponents who believe in the necessity of reforming congressional practices to enhance representation and reduce political fatigue. However, there is also contention surrounding the idea of term limits, as detractors argue that such measures could strip voters of their choices, potentially leading to less experienced legislators in Congress. This polarized view encapsulates a fundamental debate about the structure of democracy in the United States—balancing the need for fresh leadership against the value of electoral choice.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SJR24 include the practical implications of enforcing term limits and the potential impact on governance. Critics often argue that experience is crucial in legislative roles, and imposing term limits could lead to a loss of institutional knowledge and expertise. Additionally, there are concerns about whether such a convention could lead to unintended proposals or amendments that could further alter the foundational aspects of U.S. governance, sparking fears of a 'runaway convention'.