Resolution supporting congressional term limits

2025 Regular Session Introduced by George Nikolakakos

State urges Congress to propose constitutional term limits for U.S. Senators/Representatives; symbolic measure with no immediate legal effect.

(H) Died in Process

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Summary — HJ 13 (Resolution supporting congressional term limits)

Status: Died in Process (House)
Introduced: December 8, 2024
Classification: Joint resolution — Constitutional amendment proposal / memorializing resolution

HJ 13 is a state joint resolution expressing support for limits on service in the U.S. Congress. The measure urges action at the federal level to adopt constitutional restrictions on the number of terms U.S. Representatives and/or Senators may serve. As introduced, the resolution does not itself amend the U.S. Constitution or change federal law; rather, it communicates the state legislature’s position and requests that Congress take appropriate steps to establish congressional term limits (for example, by proposing a constitutional amendment).

Key provisions (as introduced)

A formal statement of the state legislature’s support for imposing term limits on members of the United States House of Representatives and/or Senate.

A directive or request to Congress to propose a constitutional amendment implementing those term limits (language typical of such resolutions).

No direct changes to state law or to the qualifications or terms of state officers.

No dollar amounts, specific term lengths, or implementation mechanics are specified in the public bill summary provided.

Who would be affected

U.S. federal officeholders (members of Congress) would be the substantive subjects of any eventual federal amendment establishing limits.

State residents and voters would be affected indirectly if the resolution influences federal law or an Article V process.

The resolution itself would primarily affect intergovernmental relations (state-to-federal communication) and has no direct regulatory or fiscal effect on state agencies.

Procedural history and timeline

Drafting and preparation: December 2024 – January 2025 (series of legislative counsel actions).

Introduced in House: December 8, 2024; First Reading: February 4, 2025.

Referred to House Energy, Technology and Federal Relations Committee; hearing held February 6, 2025.

Tabled in committee: February 12, 2025.

Missed deadline for revenue bill transmittal noted April 7, 2025.

Final status: Died in Process (House) on May 20, 2025.

Potential impact and limitations

Symbolic/political: If adopted, the resolution would register the legislature’s support for congressional term limits and could add political pressure on federal lawmakers or contribute to a coordinated state application for an Article V convention.

No immediate legal effect: The resolution by itself cannot impose federal term limits or change the U.S. Constitution; a constitutional amendment requires action by Congress and/or the Article V ratification process (three‑fourths of states) depending on the route.

Specific policy details (exact term limits, transition rules) are not contained in the available summary and would need to be specified in any subsequent federal amendment.

Bill