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Senate committee advances amended term‑limits constitutional measure, removes judiciary from scope
Summary
The Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee voted to advance a proposed constitutional amendment that changes legislative term limits to a 12‑year cap with a four‑year waiting period; the committee adopted an amendment to remove judges and justices from the change. Supporters said the change balances experience with turnover; opponents warned it risks voter confusion and weakens citizen oversight.
A Senate committee on Wednesday voted to advance a proposed constitutional amendment that would change Arkansas legislative term limits to a 12‑year cap with a four‑year waiting period, and adopted an amendment excluding judges and justices from the change.
The committee adopted an amendment to remove the judiciary from the proposal after public testimony and a sponsor response. Tom Steele, chairman of Arkansas Term Limits, told the panel that his organization has filed a competing citizen ballot initiative called the "Arkansas term limits amendment" and urged the committee to avoid confusing voters by using identical popular titles.
The bill sponsor defended the measure as a ‘‘good government’’ change that preserves turnover while allowing lawmakers more time to gain experience. The sponsor said the switch from the current structure would reduce lifetime service in most cases and noted only a small percentage of legislators return after the proposed four‑year waiting period.
Opponents raised questions about whether the measure would weaken the intent of the 2014 ethics amendment that previously adjusted term limits. Committee members asked for clarifications on how the measure would interact with existing retirement provisions and earlier ballot language.
The committee formally moved the measure forward with the adopted amendment, leaving remaining procedural steps — including placement on the ballot and final floor scheduling — to subsequent floor leaders and calendar decisions.
The committee record shows the amendment to carve the judiciary out was adopted in committee and the measure was moved forward as amended; final text and ballot title remained subject to clarification.
