Texas House Bill HJR98

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the time that a person may serve as a member of the Texas Legislature or as a statewide elected officer in the executive branch.

Impact

If passed, this amendment would significantly alter the landscape of political representation in Texas. By instituting term limits, the bill aims to enhance government accountability and diversify the pool of candidates eligible for election. Proponents argue that turnover in legislative and executive positions can lead to fresh ideas and prevent the entrenchment of power among long-serving officials. In this regard, HJR98 signifies an attempt to renew the political commitment to better governance and responsiveness to constituents.

Summary

HJR98 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at limiting the duration of service for members of the Texas Legislature and statewide elected officials in the executive branch. Specifically, it stipulates that a person may not serve more than six regular sessions in the House of Representatives and the Senate, with additional provisions to disqualify individuals from serving statewide elected offices if they have held such positions for twelve or more calendar years. Importantly, service before January 1, 2021, does not count towards those limits.

Contention

Discussions around HJR98 have surfaced notable points of contention. Opponents of the bill argue that term limits can potentially hinder effective governance, as new members may lack crucial institutional knowledge and experience needed to navigate complex legislative procedures. Critics are concerned that such restrictions might also lead to a loss of continuity in policymaking, especially in critical areas that require long-term strategic planning. Furthermore, the proposal has sparked debates regarding the balance between ensuring accountability and the democratic principle of voter choice.

Additional_notes

The bill stipulates that the constitutional amendment would be submitted to voters during the elections scheduled for November 5, 2019. Thus, the outcome of this initiative will ultimately rest in the hands of the electorate, providing a direct mechanism for public input on the proposed changes to Texas's political landscape.