Sponsor Statement for HJR 4

Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to terms of legislators

HJR 4 proposes to limit terms by limiting the number of regular legislative sessions a person may serve. The resolution proposes that a person may not serve consecutively more than twelve full regular sessions in the legislature. A person may not again serve in the legislature as a result of election or appointment to fill a vacancy until at least two consecutive regular sessions have elapsed. In addition, when tabulating the number of sessions served, special sessions shall not be counted nor shall time served as the result of appointment to fill a vacancy.

Alaskan voters demonstrated their desire for congressional term limits through 1994's ballot measure 4, which passed by a margin of 62%. Alaskans have also expressed their support for term limits on the municipal level with many communities adopting some form of term limits for local elected officials. HJR 4 will now give voters the chance to change the state constitution and limit terms of state legislators.

Term limits are a positive legislative reform, guaranteeing that new legislators will be elected along with their new ideas. The popularity of term limits indicates that a majority of our citizens do not prefer career politicians representing them. Term limits will also level the playing field for challengers facing long-term incumbents whose power oftentimes is derived primarily from seniority.

Placing a constitutional amendment limiting the terms of state legislators on the ballot is a measure that is long overdue.