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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Jaret Gibbons |
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Gibbons introduces legislation to affect term length and limit for state reps
HARRISBURG, May 5 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Lawrence/Beaver/Butler, today introduced legislation that would amend the state constitution to increase state representatives’ terms to four years and state senators’ terms to six years. The bill would also impose term limits on state legislators.
Gibbons said that under his legislation, H.B. 2500, state representatives could serve up to three consecutive terms for a total of 12 years of service. State senators could serve two consecutive terms for a total of 12 years of service.
"My constituents often say they are amazed that our term as representatives is for only two years," Gibbons said. "The length of the current term makes it hard for new members to begin accomplishing first-term legislative goals before finding themselves running again for re-election."
Currently, the state representatives serve two-year terms and state senators serve four-year terms.
If passed, Gibbons bill would take effect by having state representatives in odd-numbered districts elected in 2010 serve a four-year term and representatives in even-numbered districts elected in 2010 serve a two-year term. After that, all representatives would serve four-year terms upon election.
Gibbons said this change would stagger elections so that half of House districts would be up for election every two years. State senators elected in both 2010 and 2012 would serve six-year terms.
To amend the state constitution, legislation must be passed by the General Assembly in two consecutive legislative sessions and then approved by voters in a statewide referendum.
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