South Dakota House Bill HJR5002

South Dakota 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23

Caption

Applying to the United States Congress under Article V of the United States Constitution to call for a convention for proposing an amendment establishing congressional term limits.

Impact

If approved, HJR5002 would mark a significant step towards changing the way congressional roles are viewed and could impact federal policy by limiting the number of terms served by elected officials. Proponents argue that introducing term limits would enhance governmental accountability and representation by encouraging the regular turnover of political leaders. The resolution serves as a vehicle for South Dakota to join other states in calling for changes at the federal level, potentially influencing national discussions around legislative reform.

Summary

HJR5002 is a House Joint Resolution introduced in the 98th Legislative Session of South Dakota that seeks to apply to the United States Congress for a convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. The resolution aims to propose an amendment that would establish term limits for members of both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. This resolution reflects a growing sentiment among constituents regarding the need for changes in the federal legislative structure, particularly aimed at preventing career politicians from holding office indefinitely and to revive the concept of citizen legislators.

Contention

Despite the support, there are notable points of contention regarding HJR5002. Critics argue that imposing term limits could eliminate experienced lawmakers who understand the complexities of legislation and governance. There is apprehension that such a measure could lead to a loss of institutional knowledge within Congress. Furthermore, some opponents express concerns about the implications of a convention called by state legislatures, fearing it could open the door to broader amendments that may not align with the original intent of the Constitution. Thus, while HJR5002 aims to tackle specific issues of congressional longevity, it also raises questions about the potential unintended consequences of such a shift.