Texas House Bill HJR127

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 2/24/23

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 to 12 consecutive years.

Impact

If passed, HJR127 would significantly alter the tenure of legislators and statewide elected officials, enforcing stricter term limits. This could lead to a more dynamic political environment, with new individuals bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to the legislature. The bill states that service before 2025 will not count toward these limits, potentially allowing current legislators to complete their terms while limiting future career politicians' ability to remain in office indefinitely.

Summary

HJR127 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit the consecutive years a person may serve in the Texas Legislature or as a statewide elected officer to 12 years. This change is aimed at promoting turnover in leadership and preventing the entrenchment of long-serving politicians. The bill seeks to amend the Texas Constitution, specifically adding provisions to Article III and Article IV, thereby directly impacting the structure of political representation in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HJR127 appears to be mixed. Proponents argue that term limits will enhance democratic practices by enabling new voices in governance and reducing the likelihood of corruption associated with prolonged incumbency. On the contrary, opponents may view this as an unnecessary restriction that could eliminate experienced lawmakers from office, potentially destabilizing the legislative process and diminishing the effectiveness of government due to frequent turnover.

Contention

There are notable points of contention regarding HJR127. Critics assert that while term limits can prevent the concentration of power, they may also disenfranchise voters who want to keep effective leaders in office. The debate centers around the balance between fostering fresh leadership and retaining experienced lawmakers capable of navigating the complexities of state governance. Furthermore, questions regarding the implications on political continuity and legislative effectiveness are significant concerns that have surfaced during discussions.