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Bill

Bill

SJ 9

RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ESTABLISH TERM LIMITS FOR LEGISLATORS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tony Hwang

Proposes constitutional amendment to limit Connecticut legislators' tenure, requiring legislative passage and voter referendum to restructure state assembly composition and power dynamics.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Government Administration and Elections
#generalassemblymembers #stateconstitutionalamendments #termlimits
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Bill Summary · SJ 9

Legislative bill overview

SJ 9 is a constitutional resolution proposing to amend Connecticut's state constitution to impose term limits on state legislators. The resolution would need to pass both chambers of the legislature and be approved by voters in a referendum to become effective. This is the formal mechanism required to alter Connecticut's foundational governing document.

Why is this important

Term limits would fundamentally reshape legislative turnover and institutional knowledge in the Connecticut General Assembly. The proposal directly addresses concerns about incumbent entrenchment and career politicians, while simultaneously raising questions about constituent representation and legislative expertise. This type of structural change affects how power operates in state government and influences which candidates can effectively compete for office.

Potential points of contention

  • Loss of institutional knowledge: Experienced legislators provide continuity and technical expertise on complex budget and policy matters; frequent turnover could reduce legislative capacity
  • Voter choice restrictions: Term limits prevent voters from re-electing preferred representatives and may shift power to unelected staff, lobbyists, and executive branch officials
  • Fairness and incumbency: Supporters argue limits level the playing field for new candidates; opponents contend this circumvents voters' ability to choose their representatives
  • Implementation details unclear: The resolution's specific term length (e.g., 8, 12 years), grandfather provisions, and whether limits apply retroactively would substantially affect impact

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

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