Texas House Bill HJR38

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/10/14

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment limiting to two the number of consecutive terms for which a person may be elected or appointed to hold certain state offices.

Impact

If enacted, HJR38 would amend Article IV of the Texas Constitution, adding Section 2a, which will restrict re-election opportunities for those in specified state offices after two consecutive terms. The change would not affect individuals who have served prior to January 1, 2016, as these terms would not be counted against the term limits. The amendment is set to be presented to voters for approval in the November 3, 2015 election, creating a significant shift in political dynamics within Texas and potentially impacting long-serving politicians.

Summary

HJR38 is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Texas Constitution that seeks to limit the number of consecutive terms for certain state offices to two. The bill targets a list of specific offices, including the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and others, establishing that a person who has served two consecutive terms in these roles would not be eligible for reelection or reappointment. However, individuals would still be able to seek nonconsecutive terms following a break in service. This resolution is aimed at promoting government accountability and enhancing democratic principles by preventing long tenures in state leadership positions.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding HJR38. Supporters argue that imposing term limits fosters a more dynamic and responsive government by allowing new leaders to emerge, while critics contend that such limits could lead to a loss of experienced leadership. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding the timing and fairness of implementing such limits retroactively, particularly for current officials who might be in the midst of their terms. Thus, the proposed amendment prompts a broader debate about governance, accountability, and the balance between experience and fresh perspectives in state leadership.