Committee approves technical amendment, advances governor term‑limits constitutional amendment proposal
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Summary
The committee adopted an author's A2 technical amendment and voted to refer House File 18 49 — a proposed constitutional amendment limiting the governor and lieutenant governor to two four‑year terms — to the rules committee after debate over scope and timing.
Representative Gordon introduced H.F. 18 49, a proposed constitutional amendment that would have voters decide whether to limit the offices of governor and lieutenant governor to two four‑year terms. Gordon said the measure was timed to avoid creating the appearance of targeting any incumbent, noting the counting rules were adjusted to begin in 2026.
He moved an A2 author's amendment to clarify effective dates; the committee adopted the A2 amendment on a voice vote. Members asked why the proposal covers only the governor and lieutenant governor and whether term limits for the legislature or other executive officers should be considered. Representative Freiberg and others questioned the need for the amendment, noting no Minnesota governor has been elected to three full terms; Gordon said it was "a start" and that the proposal aims to be simple and bipartisan.
The author renewed his motion to refer the amended bill to the rules committee, and the committee approved the motion by voice vote.
Next steps: As amended, H.F. 18 49 was referred to the rules committee for further consideration.
