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HJR 122

Proposes a constitutional amendment that modifies term limits for members of the general assembly

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Boyko and 2 co-sponsors

HJR 122 caps Missouri lawmakers at 16 total years (phase-in 8 per house through 2030) and limits leadership terms (Speaker 3, Pro Tem 2), subject to voter approval.

Placed Back on Formal Perfection Calendar (H)
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Bill Summary · HJR 122

Summary: HJR 122 – Term Limits Constitutional Amendment (Missouri)

Purpose and intent

  • HJR 122 proposes a constitutional amendment to modify term limits for members of the Missouri General Assembly and to restrict leadership roles within the Legislature.
  • The measure would replace the existing limit of eight years in any one house and sixteen years total in both houses with new phase-in rules and new term limits for leadership positions, subject to voter approval.

Key provisions

  • General Assembly term limits

    • Before December 5, 2030: no one may be elected to serve more than eight years total in any one house of the General Assembly, and no more than sixteen years total in both houses combined.
    • Beginning December 5, 2030: no one may be elected to serve more than sixteen years total in the combined service of both houses.
    • For counting years, service prior to December 3, 1992, and partial-term service (less than one year in the House or two years in the Senate for certain circumstances) do not count toward the limit, as applicable per the text.

  • Leadership term limits

    • No member of the General Assembly may serve as Speaker of the House for more than three terms.
    • No member may serve as President Pro Tempore of the Senate for more than two terms.

  • Ballot and timing

    • The amendment would be submitted to Missouri voters at the next general election (November 2026) or at a Governor-called special election for that purpose.
    • If a special election is called, costs would be borne by the state/local election authorities per state law.

Who would be affected

  • Current and future Missouri legislators in both chambers (House and Senate), as well as those seeking leadership roles (Speaker and President Pro Tempore).
  • Local election authorities could incur costs if a special election is convened to vote on the measure.

Fiscal and administrative considerations

  • Fiscal note indicates potential statewide costs if a special election is held to place the measure before voters (estimated at about $9 million), with publication and election administration costs borne by the state and local election authorities.
  • If no special election is called (i.e., the measure goes to the next general election), the note projects minimal to no ongoing state general revenue impact.
  • No direct fiscal impact anticipated for the General Assembly’s operating budgets.

Procedural milestones and related items

  • Status: Prefiled (H); introduced January 24, 2025.
  • Legislative actions include a first reading and referral to Elections in March 2025; related companion bills exist (SJR 9 and SJR 29).
  • Similar measure: HJR 122 is noted as being similar to HJR 67 (2025).

Summary for readers

HJR 122 seeks to overhaul Missouri’s constitutional term limits by:
- Capping total service at sixteen years across both houses (with a transitional eight-year-per-house limit through 2030).
- Introducing new caps on leadership service: Speaker not to exceed three terms; President Pro Tempore not to exceed two terms.
- Requiring voter approval via a statewide ballot (general election in 2026 or a governor-called special election), with potential election costs if a special election is used.

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

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