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HB 570

Local government; acknowledge that certain international organizations have no jurisdiction in this state

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by James Burchett and 4 co-sponsors

HB 570 aims to amend Hawaii's Constitution to impose term limits on state legislators, promoting accountability and encouraging fresh perspectives in governance.

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Bill Summary · HB 570

Summary of HB 570: Proposed Amendment for Term Limits for Legislators

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HB 570
  • Title: Proposing an Amendment to Article III, Section 4, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii to Establish Term Limits for Legislators.
  • Status: Introduced and Passed First Reading.
  • Introduced On: January 17, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Constitutional Amendment, Government Reform (ConAm), Term Limits

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HB 570 is to amend the Hawaii State Constitution to establish term limits for state legislators. This proposed change aims to promote governmental accountability and encourage fresh perspectives within the legislative body by limiting the number of consecutive terms an individual can serve.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment to Article III, Section 4: The bill seeks to modify this section of the Hawaii Constitution, which currently does not impose any limits on the number of terms a legislator can serve.
  • Specific Term Limits: While the exact number of terms proposed is not detailed in the provided information, the amendment would typically specify a maximum number of consecutive terms for both state representatives and senators.

Impact

  • Legislators: If passed, the bill would directly affect current and future members of the Hawaii State Legislature by imposing restrictions on their tenure. This could lead to a significant turnover in legislative positions.
  • Political Landscape: The introduction of term limits may alter the dynamics of political campaigns and governance in Hawaii, potentially leading to increased competition for legislative seats and a shift in policy priorities as new legislators bring different viewpoints and experiences.
  • Voter Engagement: The bill could also influence voter engagement, as term limits may encourage more citizens to participate in the electoral process, either by running for office or by voting for new candidates.

Legislative Process

  • Introduced and First Reading: The bill was introduced and passed its first reading on January 21, 2025.
  • Referral to Committees: Following its introduction, HB 570 was referred to the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA) and Finance (FIN) committees for further consideration.

Conclusion

HB 570 represents a significant step towards reforming the legislative framework in Hawaii by proposing term limits for legislators. If enacted, this amendment could reshape the state's political landscape, fostering a more dynamic and responsive government structure. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, further details regarding the specific terms and implications will likely emerge.

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

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