SENATE APPROVES TERM LIMITS FOR EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Senator Kevin Eltife of Tyler won passage Tuesday of a measure that would let voters decide whether or not to place term limits on state-wide elected officials.

(AUSTIN) — The Senate voted Tuesday in favor of a resolution that would let voters decide whether or not to impose term limits on officials elected in state-wide elections, such as the Governor and Attorney General. SJR 13, by Tyler Senator Kevin Eltife, would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot that says statewide officials cannot serve more than two consecutive terms. Eltife told the chamber that placing term limits on some offices can bring fresh ideas into the state capitol. "Term limits will lead to more open seats and competitive elections, which will invite debates on policy and give voters a chance to hear a candidate's vision for our state," he said.

Eltife said that this measure is not a response to any current office holder, and pointed out that the bill has a provision that grandfathers in all current state-wide elected officials. No terms served before January 1, 2014, would count against the two consecutive term limits. Officials that leave the office are eligible for election back to that office after being away for one term.

Because this measure is a joint resolution, it has a different road to passage than a normal bill. Notably, this resolution does not need to be signed by the Governor to get on the November ballot. If two-thirds of the House approves the bill, then a simple majority of voters will get to decide whether or not this amendment gets placed in the state constitution.

The Senate will reconvene Wednesday, March 20 at 11 a.m.

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