WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HJR 12

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa limiting years of service for members of the general assembly and certain statewide elected officials.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Gearhart

HJR 12 proposes term limits for Iowa legislators and statewide officials, capping service at 24 years to enhance democracy and encourage political turnover.

Introduced, referred to State Government.
#constitutionofiowa #generalassembly #publicofficers #resolutions #resolutions-substantive #termlimits
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJR 12

Summary of House Joint Resolution 12 (HJR 12)

Purpose and Intent

House Joint Resolution 12 (HJR 12) proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa aimed at establishing term limits for members of the General Assembly and certain statewide elected officials. The resolution seeks to enhance democratic governance by preventing individuals from serving excessively long tenures in these positions.

Key Provisions

The proposed amendment includes the following key provisions:

  • Term Limits for Legislators:

    • House of Representatives: A person may not serve more than six consecutive terms.
    • Senate: A person may not serve more than three consecutive terms.

  • Term Limits for Statewide Elected Officials:

    • A person may not serve more than three consecutive terms in any specified statewide office, which includes the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor of State, Treasurer of State, and Attorney General.

  • Cooling-Off Period:

    • After reaching the term limit, individuals must wait a specified period before being eligible to run for the same office again:
    • House of Representatives: Two years after the sixth consecutive term.
    • Senate: Four years after the third consecutive term.
    • Statewide Elected Officials: Four years after the third consecutive term.

  • Lifetime Limit:

    • A lifetime limit of 24 years across all specified offices is established, ensuring that no individual can serve more than this duration in any combination of these roles.

  • Exemptions:

    • Service prior to January 1, 2029, will not count towards the term limits, allowing current officeholders to continue serving if they remain in office without interruption.

Affected Parties

The resolution primarily affects:
- Current and future members of the Iowa General Assembly.
- Statewide elected officials in Iowa.
- Voters, as the amendment will ultimately be submitted for ratification by the electorate.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 5, 2025.
  • Current Status: The resolution has been introduced and referred to the State Government committee for further consideration.
  • Next Steps: If adopted by the General Assembly, the amendment will be submitted to voters for ratification in the next general election.

Conclusion

HJR 12 aims to implement term limits for Iowa's legislative and statewide offices, promoting turnover and potentially increasing political diversity. The resolution is currently under review, and its future will depend on legislative approval and voter support.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.