Overview: SCR 4028, "A concurrent resolution to create and enact a new article to the Constitution of North Dakota, relating to term limits for the governor, lieutenant governor, statewide elected officials, and members of the legislative assembly and prior years of service for members of the legislative assembly and statewide elected officers; to repeal sections 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of article XV of the Constitution of North Dakota, relating to cumulative term limits for members of the legislative assembly and the office of governor, and legislative authority, and initiative petition processes; and to provide an effective date", Second reading, failed to adopt yeas 19 nays 28, Introduced on February 24, 2025.
Purpose and Intent: The main goal of this concurrent resolution is to amend the North Dakota state constitution to establish new term limits for the governor, lieutenant governor, other statewide elected officials, and members of the legislative assembly. It also seeks to repeal existing term limit provisions.
Key Provisions:
- Enacts a new constitutional article imposing 12-year term limits on the governor, lieutenant governor, and other statewide elected officials
- Imposes 12-year term limits on members of the legislative assembly, with prior years of service counting towards the limit
- Repeals existing constitutional term limit provisions for the governor's office and legislative assembly
Affected Parties and Impacts: This resolution would directly impact current and future holders of statewide elected offices and legislative seats in North Dakota. If enacted, it would limit the number of terms they could serve, potentially leading to more frequent turnover in these positions.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The concurrent resolution has failed to be adopted after a second reading in the North Dakota legislature, falling short of the required votes. As a constitutional amendment, it would have needed a two-thirds majority in both chambers to be referred to the ballot for voter approval.
