Mississippi Senate Bill SR11

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 4/1/23

Caption

Elections; exclude candidates who will be 75 or older at the time of election.

Impact

If enacted, this amendment will directly affect the qualifications necessary for holding multiple significant state offices, including the Lieutenant Governor, the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and judges of various courts. It implies a shift in the state's approach to political candidacy by incorporating an age benchmark, which could lead to a younger cohort of leaders. The potential for government roles to be filled by younger individuals could bring new perspectives to governance in Mississippi.

Summary

Senate Resolution 11 proposes significant amendments to the Mississippi Constitution of 1890, specifically changing the eligibility criteria for various state officeholders. The main provision of the bill is to disqualify candidates who will be 75 years of age or older at the time of the election for designated offices, including members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Governor, and other key government roles. This measure reflects an effort to ensure that those in high office are of a certain age, presumably aiming for a balance between experience and vitality.

Contention

The proposal may elicit debate regarding its implications on representation and potentially age discrimination. Supporters may argue it ensures energized and capable leadership, while critics could raise concerns about sidelining experienced politicians who have a deep understanding of state issues simply based on age. This legislation may provoke discussions on the balance between experience and the dynamism younger candidates can bring to political office, and whether age should be a barrier to public service.