GUBERNATORIAL TERM LIMITS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Miller

Implements a constitutional amendment to set governor term limits in Illinois, restricting tenure and defining eligibility, with a voter-approved ballot for final adoption.

Referred to Rules Committee

Summary of HJRCA 24 (Illinois, 104th General Assembly)

What the bill is

HJRCA 24 is a joint resolution concerning constitutional amendments related to gubernatorial term limits in Illinois.

Introduced in the 104th General Assembly with co-sponsor Chris Miller.

Purpose and intent

The primary aim is to modify or establish term limits for the Governor of Illinois. As a joint resolution of constitutional amendment, it seeks to place a specific term-limit provision before voters for approval, rather than implementing changes through ordinary statute.

If enacted, the proposal would place constraints on how long a person may serve as governor and/or prohibit holding the office beyond a specified number of terms or years.

Key provisions and changes (as typical for gubernatorial term-limit amendments)

Imposes a maximum number of terms or years a person may serve as Governor.

Defines eligibility criteria for gubernatorial candidacy in light of term-limit constraints (e.g., what constitutes a “term,” how term limits apply to partial terms or successful mid-session ascensions, and whether predecessors’ terms count toward the limit).

Specifies transition rules if term limits affect current officeholders (e.g., applicability to individuals already serving as governor at the time the amendment takes effect or prospective application rules).

Addresses issues such as potential exemptions, grandfathering provisions, or exceptions in special circumstances (e.g., vacancies, resignations, or succession).

Outlines the process for statewide voter approval, since constitutional amendments require ratification by voters in Illinois.

Who or what would be affected

The Governor of Illinois and any candidate for the office.

Current and future occupants of the governor’s office once the amendment takes effect.

The state’s executive office and related institutional processes, including succession and gubernatorial appointments, if term limits alter tenure duration.

Voters statewide, who would vote on the constitutional amendment in a general or special election.

Procedural and timeline considerations

As a constitutional amendment, passage requires: approval by both houses of the Illinois General Assembly (typically with a supermajority) and subsequent ratification by voters in a statewide election.

If approved by the legislature, the measure would be placed on the ballot for public referendum. Specific timing (election date) would depend on legislative action to set or schedule the ballot question, and any applicable transitional rules for when the amendment would take effect.

The bill, being a joint resolution, does not by itself change statute until it is ratified by the voters and promulgated as part of the Illinois Constitution.

Notes

The available summary does not include the exact numerical limits (e.g., two terms, eight years, etc.) because the precise language of HJRCA 24 is not provided here. The essential effect hinges on the specific term limit provisions enacted through the constitutional amendment and the accompanying transition rules.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary further by incorporating the exact text or sponsor statements once you provide the bill’s full language or a link to the official bill docket.