RI
Rhode Island House Bill H7183

Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7183

Introduced
1/11/24  

Caption

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- FOUR YEAR TERMS AND TERM LIMITS FOR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS (Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, allowing four (4) year terms for general assembly members and imposing term limits of three (3) full four (4) year terms on said members commencing with the 2026 election)

Impact

The proposed changes would fundamentally alter the landscape of state legislative elections by allowing legislators to serve longer terms while also placing a cap on how long they can remain in office consecutively. Proponents argue that longer terms would enable lawmakers to focus on more substantial issues and carry out their initiatives without the constant pressure of re-election every two years. However, this bill will also ensure that legislators cannot serve indefinitely, which addresses concerns about entrenched incumbency and promotes turnover in the legislature.

Summary

House Bill 7183 proposes a significant amendment to the State Constitution, specifically Article IV, Section 1. This amendment aims to extend the terms of representatives and senators from two years to four years, effective from the elections in 2026. Alongside the extension of terms, it introduces a limit of three consecutive four-year terms for members of the general assembly, which represents a notable shift in the state's legislative structure. The bill seeks to enhance governance by potentially increasing legislative efficiency and giving elected officials more time to implement their policies.

Contention

Discussions surrounding the bill have raised various points of contention. Supporters advocate for longer terms as a mechanism for stable governance, arguing that it allows legislators to build deeper expertise and relationships that can benefit their constituents. Conversely, opponents express fears that longer terms may lead to decreased accountability, as representatives may feel less pressure to respond to their constituents' needs due to fewer elections. Additionally, the implementation of term limits, while aimed at encouraging diversity in the legislature, could also result in the loss of experienced lawmakers who have cultivated significant knowledge and connections through their years in office.

Latest H7183 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5126

Joint Resolution To Approve, Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Four Year Terms And Term Limits For Representatives And Senators (proposes An Amendment To The State Constitution, Article Iv, To Allow For Term Limits For The General Assembly Members.)

RI H5189

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State-of Elections And Campaign Finance (proposes A Constitutional Amendment Authorizing Four (4) Year Terms For Members Of The General Assembly, Elected Members From Even Numbered Districts Would Begin To Be Elected To Four (4) Year Terms.)

RI S0147

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State (governor And Lieutenant Governor To Appear Jointly On The Ballot) (requires Submission To Voters Election Constitutional Amendment Requiring Governor/lieutenant Governor To Run As A Team In Elections Commencing In 2026.)

RI H5518

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Line Item Veto

RI H5236

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State (initiative And Referendum) (this Resolution Would Enable The Citizens Of Rhode Island To Propose Laws And Amendments To The Constitution Through An Initiative And Referendum Process, Except As To Revenue And Appropriations, Which Power Remains Vested In The General Assembly.)

RI H5770

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Of Suffrage (would Propose To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment Regarding Eligibility To Vote And To Be A Candidate.)

RI S0608

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Of Suffrage (would Propose To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment Regarding Eligibility To Vote And To Be A Candidate.)

RI S0341

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Referendum On Line Item Veto (this Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Would Provide The Governor With A Line Item Veto On The Budget And Other Bills For The Appropriation Of Money.)

RI H5310

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Jury Nullification As Proper Trial Defense Argument (this Joint Resolution Would Propose To The Voters A Constitutional Amendment Which Would Allow A Criminal Defendant To Argue Jury Nullification As A Defense.)

RI H5726

Joint Resolution Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution - Provisions Of State Constitution Declared To Be Presumptively Judicially Enforceable By Parties Allegedly Aggrieved By Violations Thereof (proposes To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment That The Provisions Of The State Constitution Are Presumptively Judicially Enforceable By Parties Allegedly Aggrieved By Violations Thereof.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.