Texas Senate Bill SJR6

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/10/14

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to provide qualifications for and limit the time that a person may serve in certain offices.

Impact

The implications of SJR6 are quite significant, as it would require a substantial shift in the current practices regarding elected officials’ tenure. By establishing term limits, the bill seeks to promote fresh leadership and potentially increase turnover among incumbents, which supporters argue could lead to a more dynamic and responsive political environment. Critics, however, express concern that such limits might dismantle the institutional knowledge and experience that long-serving legislators contribute, potentially hampering legislative processes and governance.

Summary

SJR6 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at establishing qualifications and limits on the time a person may serve in certain elected offices within the State of Texas. Specifically, the bill sets forth restrictions such that individuals may not be elected to the House of Representatives if they have served six full terms or more, and to the Senate if they have served three or more full terms totaling 12 years. Furthermore, this legislation introduces changes concerning eligibility for the position of Speaker of the House and committee chairpersons, enforcing that prior service durations will affect future eligibility starting from January 1, 2016, forward.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SJR6 stem from the balance between reducing the risk of entrenched political figures and preserving experienced lawmakers in the legislature. Proponents assert that lengthy tenures can lead to complacency and disconnectedness from the constituents. On the other hand, opponents view such restrictions as counterproductive, arguing that voters should retain the choice to elect their representatives without arbitrary limitations. This bill's consideration has sparked debates over the nature of democracy and the principle of incumbency security in Texas governance.