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.)
If adopted, this amendment would affect the constitutional provisions outlined in Article IV concerning elections and campaign finance. The new framework would not only extend terms for specific members but also removes the limitation on the number of terms an elected official can serve in these positions. Advocates argue that longer terms could lead to increased stability and continuity within the assembly, allowing legislators to focus on long-term policy-making rather than constant re-election campaigns.
House Bill H7119 proposes a significant amendment to the Constitution of Rhode Island regarding the terms of elected officials within the general assembly. Introduced early in January 2024, the resolution aims to change the election cycle, allowing members from even-numbered districts to serve four-year terms starting in November 2025, while those from odd-numbered districts would follow suit two years later, in November 2027. This proposal marks a shift from the current biennial election cycle for all assembly members, thereby extending the term lengths for a portion of the legislature.
The bill has raised notable points of contention among legislators and constituents. Critics argue that extending terms may reduce accountability, as elected officials would face voters less frequently. There are concerns that longer terms could entrench incumbency and hinder fresh perspectives within the assembly. Meanwhile, supporters counter that the change would foster enough time for lawmakers to effectively implement their agendas without the distraction of continual election cycles, particularly in an era where governance is increasingly complex and requires sustained attention.
To enact this constitutional amendment, H7119 will be submitted to the electorate for approval during the next statewide general election, with all necessary voting processes ensured by the provisions laid out within the amendment. This participatory element is designed to give the citizens of Rhode Island a direct voice in this substantial constitutional change.