Texas Senate Bill SJR10

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

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

Impact

If passed, SJR10 would amend Article IV of the Texas Constitution by adding Section 2a, which directly addresses term limits for various state offices. This amendment would affect both the eligibility for election and appointment, unless an individual is filling the remainder of a term due to a vacancy, in which case such a term would not count towards the two-term limit. As a result, it would alter the political landscape by encouraging fresh perspectives in governance and potentially increasing electoral competition.

Summary

SJR10 is a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at limiting the number of terms for which individuals may be elected or appointed to certain state offices in Texas. Specifically, it proposes that an individual can serve no more than two terms in positions such as the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and other statewide offices. The bill signifies a move towards promoting government accountability and preventing the potential for prolonged incumbency, which is often associated with a lack of responsiveness to the electorate.

Contention

The discussion surrounding SJR10 is not without contention. Proponents argue that term limits can enhance political engagement and diminish the entrenchment of power among longstanding officeholders. However, opponents voice concerns that term limits may disrupt continuity in government leadership and diminish the experience of elected officials. The debate encompasses broader themes around the balance of power, representation, and the mechanics of a functioning democracy in Texas.