WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HJ 3

RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE STATE CONSTITUTION CONCERNING TWELVE-YEAR TERM LIMITS FOR LEGISLATORS AND CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Devin Carney

Connecticut constitutional amendment proposal would impose twelve-year term limits on state legislators and constitutional officers, requiring voter referendum approval to take effect.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Government Administration and Elections
#generalassemblymembers #stateconstitutionalamendments #stateofficers #termlimits
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HJ 3

Legislative bill overview

HJ 3 proposes a constitutional amendment that would establish twelve-year term limits for Connecticut state legislators and constitutional officers (such as the Governor, Attorney General, and Comptroller). The resolution requires voter approval through a referendum to amend the state constitution. This would represent a significant structural change to Connecticut's governance, as legislators currently have no term limits while the Governor already faces a two-consecutive-term limit.

Why is this important

Term limits fundamentally alter how political power operates and how representatives relate to their constituencies. For Connecticut, this could reshape legislative seniority systems, committee leadership structures, and institutional knowledge, while potentially affecting campaign dynamics and political careerism. The twelve-year window (roughly 6 legislative terms) would be longer than many neighboring states' limits but shorter than the current indefinite tenure system.

Potential points of contention

  • Institutional experience and effectiveness: Opponents argue term limits reduce legislative expertise and committee continuity, while supporters contend they reduce entrenched political power and encourage fresh perspectives
  • Democratic representation debates: Critics claim limits restrict voter choice (voters can already "term limit" through elections), while proponents argue limits prevent self-perpetuating political machines and reduce incumbent advantages
  • Constitutional officer impacts: Applying limits to separately-elected constitutional officers like the Attorney General could create different election dynamics than legislative limits, raising questions about consistency and effectiveness in those offices

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

Sign in to ask a question.