Tennessee House Bill HJR0035

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/12/23

Caption

A RESOLUTION to propose an amendment to Article II, Section 3, Article III, Sections 4 and 17, Article VI, Sections 3, 4, 5, and 13, and Article VII, Sections 1, 3, and 4, of the Constitution of Tennessee, relative to term limits.

Impact

The proposed changes in HJR0035 could lead to a transformative impact on Tennessee's political landscape. By restricting the duration of service for key political figures, the bill seeks to mitigate the entrenched nature of political power, which some argue can lead to complacency and reduced responsiveness to the electorate. If adopted, these amendments could potentially encourage younger and more diverse candidates to enter public service, thereby changing the demographic representation within state government. Furthermore, this shake-up could foster a cycle of renewal that constituents have expressed a desire for, ultimately aiming to reinvigorate public trust in elected officials.

Summary

HJR0035 proposes a significant amendment to the Tennessee Constitution, specifically targeting the terms of various state officials. The resolution aims to limit the service of members in the House of Representatives and the Senate to a maximum of sixteen years, irrespective of whether those years are consecutive. This proposed change is intended to enhance governmental accountability by preventing long-term incumbency, thereby aligning with ongoing sentiments regarding the need for fresh perspectives in legislative positions. Additionally, the resolution introduces similar limitations on the terms served by the Governor, Secretary of State, various judges, and other elected officials in Tennessee.

Contention

While proponents of HJR0035 argue that term limits will bring about a more dynamic and responsive legislative body, opponents have raised concerns regarding the possible consequences of such restrictions. Some critics warn that term limits could inadvertently reduce the experience and expertise within government, as seasoned legislators are limited in their ability to serve. Others argue that institutional knowledge, which is developed over many years, could be lost and that this could negatively impact the quality of governance. Therefore, the conversation surrounding HJR0035 is not merely about the length of service but also the implications this bill has for the quality of representation undertaken by elected officials.