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House rejects resolution to extend House terms to four years
Summary
A proposed constitutional resolution (HJR4) to extend terms for House members from two to four years failed on the floor after an extended debate over accountability and campaigning; the recorded vote was 18 in favor and 49 opposed.
Representative Donald Cunningham introduced HJR4, a concurrent resolution proposing to increase the term of state House members from two to four years. Cunningham said the change would give legislators more uninterrupted time to focus on policy and reduce campaign burdens.
Opponents warned that longer terms would insulate the House from voters and reduce accountability. Representative O'Rourke called the timing surprising given concurrent public discussion of recall and other accountability proposals. Several members said frequent campaigning keeps legislators close to constituents; Representative Howard said the choice should remain with voters.
Debate referenced national efforts to increase terms and noted that a constitutional amendment would require two‑thirds votes in both chambers and a public referendum. After floor debate, the clerk recorded the outcome as 18 yeas and 49 nays; HJR4 did not advance.
Next steps: Because the resolution failed to secure House support, it will not proceed to the Senate under the current motion.
