Committee advances constitutional amendment to impose lifetime two‑term limit for governors
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Summary
House Bill 225, introduced by Representative Baham, would amend the constitution to set a lifetime two‑term limit for governors; after debate about vacancies, retroactivity and ballot language the committee voted 11‑2 to report the measure favorable.
Representative Baham told the committee that House Bill 225 would create a lifetime two‑term limit for governors, arguing term limits promote leadership turnover and reduce the influence of former governors who can undermine successors. "If you can't get what you need to do in 2 terms, then you shouldn't be running for a third term," Baham said.
Members questioned mechanics for midterm vacancies, retroactivity and precise ballot language. The sponsor said the lieutenant governor would assume gubernatorial duties in a vacancy and agreed to work with Representative Walters on clearer constitutional language before floor consideration.
After public comment in support from Bruce Riley and further committee discussion, the clerk called a roll: the committee recorded 11 yeas and 2 nays (Representative Boyd and Representative Newell cast the two no votes). The committee reported House Bill 225 favorable to the next stage.
