Kentucky House Bill HJR8

Kentucky 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/23
• Refer: 1/3/23

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

Should this resolution lead to a successful convention and subsequent amendment, it could dramatically alter the political landscape at the federal level. The proposed term limits would potentially prevent long-serving congress members from retaining their positions indefinitely, thereby facilitating new leadership and ideas in Congress. This would require substantial adjustments to how campaigns are run and could increase competitive elections, as incumbents often enjoy significant advantages.

Summary

HJR8 proposes a resolution applying for an Article V Convention to amend the U.S. Constitution to impose term limits on members of Congress. The resolution stems from the perceived need to curb the longevity of congressional careers, which proponents argue leads to incumbency advantages that undermine democratic processes. By collectively applying through a convention, states aim to bypass the inability to impose term limits at the state level as determined by previous Supreme Court rulings.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HJR8 is broadly supportive among those who believe in reducing the power of career politicians. Advocates argue that term limits ensure fresh perspectives and accountability in governance. However, there is also significant concern regarding the effectiveness of term limits in actually improving government functions and the potential unintended consequences that may arise, including a loss of experienced lawmakers who understand the complexities of federal legislation.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HJR8 include the debate over states' rights versus federal authority in constitutional conventions. Critics warn that a convention could open the door to unforeseen changes beyond just term limits, potentially jeopardizing other constitutional rights. The language of HJR8 reflects an awareness of these concerns, as it specifies a limited scope for the convention to address only term limits, implying efforts to mitigate risks of broader amendments.