Mississippi House Bill HC21

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Constitution; amend to provide that member of Legislature for the first time after January 1, 2024, not eligible to serve again in that office after serving three terms.

Impact

Should HC21 be enacted, it would alter the long-standing ability for legislators to serve unlimited consecutive terms. Proponents argue that this measure will encourage fresh perspectives in legislative roles, preventing career politicians from monopolizing power. On the other hand, critics may view this as an infringement on the electorate's right to re-elect their representatives, arguing it restricts voter choice and undermines the stability that experienced legislators provide.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 21 (HC21) proposes significant amendments to the Mississippi Constitution of 1890, specifically targeting Sections 34 and 35. These amendments aim to allow members of the Mississippi House of Representatives and Senate to succeed themselves in office; however, it establishes a new restriction for those first elected on or after January 1, 2024, limiting them to serve only three full terms in their respective chambers. This change is a pivotal move intended to reshape the tenure of elected officials in Mississippi, potentially impacting governance styles and legislative continuity.

Contention

The contentious aspects of HC21 stem from its implications for political dynamics in Mississippi. Advocates of term limits might assert that they foster democratic engagement by ensuring new voices in government. Detractors could counter that such limitations could lead to a loss of institutional knowledge and diminish effective governance, through the replacement of seasoned lawmakers with potentially less experienced individuals. The debate around this bill reflects broader national conversations about term limits and political accountability.