WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HCR 2014

legislature; terms; limits; lobbying

57th Legislature - Second Regular Session Introduced by Walt Blackman

The bill limits Arizona lawmakers to eight consecutive years in one chamber starting 2033, with a four-year wait to return, and imposes a one-year lobbying cooldown for former legi

House First Reading.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HCR 2014

Summary of HCR 2014 (Arizona, 57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session)

Purpose and intent

  • HCR 2014 is a proposed constitutional amendment intended to reform term limits for Arizona legislators and establish new rules governing lobbying by former legislators after leaving office.
  • The measure would be presented to voters at the next general election if approved by the Legislature.

Key provisions

A) Term limits and future term rules (Article IV, Part 2, Section 21)

  • Historical note included: outlines terms from the early statehood and confirms a system of two-year legislative terms through the 60th Legislature.
  • For terms beginning on or after January 1, 2033 (the Sixty-First Legislature):
    • Legislative terms become four years in length.
    • State Representatives would be limited to eight consecutive years in the House.
    • State Senators would be limited to eight consecutive years in the Senate.
    • After reaching eight consecutive years in either chamber, a legislator must remain out of that chamber for at least one full four-year term before being eligible to return in that same chamber.
    • The eight-year cap in one chamber does not prevent serving in the other chamber immediately after completing eight years in the first chamber (i.e., switching chambers is allowed without a waiting period, but the combined service in a single chamber is capped at eight consecutive years).
    • Calculating consecutive service: any portion of more-than-two-years in a four-year term counts toward the eight-year limit; two years or less in a four-year term do not count as a full term but still count toward the eight-year total.
    • Service resulting from elections or appointments to the Legislature is covered.
    • Disturbance from redistricting cannot shorten or lengthen a legislator’s term of office.
  • Important practical effect: starting in 2033, every legislator could serve at most eight consecutive years in their current chamber, followed by a four-year hiatus before returning, with potential immediate cross-chamber service.

B) Lobbying; former legislator post-service limitations (Article XXII, Section 19)

  • The Legislature would enact laws and rules restricting lobbying on the floor of both houses and governing lobbying practices overall.
  • One-year post-service prohibitions for former legislators (after end of the term elected or appointed to): 1) Cannot engage in activity requiring registration as a lobbyist. 2) Cannot lobby members of the Legislature or its officers/employees. 3) Cannot directly supervise or manage any lobbying activity intended to influence the Legislature. 4) Cannot use nonpublic information obtained during legislative service to influence the Legislature.
  • Exceptions during the one-year period:
    • May provide consulting, policy analysis, or subject-matter expertise that does not include lobbying.
    • May communicate with executive agencies, local governments, or other non-legislative entities as allowed by law.
    • May engage in unpaid civic, academic, or educational activities not aimed at influencing legislative action.
  • This provision supplements existing lobbying and ethics laws; it does not replace them.

Findings and purpose (Section 3)

  • The bill argues that four-year terms promote stability and deliberation.
  • It contends that limiting consecutive service prevents entrenchment while preserving voter choice.
  • It asserts a cooling-off period enhances public trust by reducing perceived impropriety.
  • It supports allowing former legislators to engage in consulting after a cooling-off period, while still limiting lobbying activities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Applicability is prospective: the term limits and associated rules would apply only to legislative terms starting on or after January 1, 2033.
  • If enacted, the Secretary of State would place the proposed amendment on the next general election ballot for voter approval.
  • Severability clause ensures that if any part is struck down, the rest remains in effect.

Potential impact

  • For legislators:
    • Beginning in 2033, both chambers would shift to four-year terms.
    • Maximum eight consecutive years in a single chamber, with a four-year waiting period before possible return to that chamber.
    • Potential for immediate cross-chamber service (e.g., eight years in the House could be followed by service in the Senate and vice versa).
  • For former legislators:
    • A one-year cooldown before engaging in lobbying or lobbying-related activities.
    • Limited exemptions to continue certain non-lobbying or advisory activities.
  • For the legislature and governance:
    • Aimed at reducing entrenchment, promoting stability, and maintaining public trust through stricter post-service restrictions on lobbying.

If you’d like, I can provide a plain-language briefing for specific audiences (e.g., voters, advocates, government officials) or compare these provisions to current Arizona law.

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

Sign in to ask a question.