Another question

The Satellite
1

Can anyone explain why state representatives have a 6 term limit, state senators have a 3 term limit, yet the governor and lt. governor have no limits?

I like term limits on the legislature, but think governor and lt. governor should have limits as well.

2 Likes
2

That is weird

3

Doesn’t make any sense to me.

4

This is easy.

Because Texas politics.

5

Agreed, same with any other statewide office like attorney general, Comptroller, etc. Also, we are badly in need of term limits for Congress.

1 Like
6

Unless things have changed recently and I missed it, I don’t think Texas legislators have term limits.

I could be wrong …?

7

You’re right.

Representatives are elected every two years for two-year terms with no term limits.

Legislative Directory.

8

Since our legislature only meets 120 days every two years (unless the gov calls a special session) I guess I don’t think about term limits for them so much. But the State wide offices for sure need term limits.

9

I was misled by this:
The Texas Term Limits for Legislators Amendment was not on the November 3, 2015 ballot in Texas as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment. The measure, upon voter approval, would have instituted term limits for state legislators, elected local officials and state agency heads. Specifically, the measure would have:[1]

  • Limited state representatives to six consecutive full terms, which is about 12 years.
  • Limited state senators to three consecutive full terms or 12 years.
  • Permitted serving additional terms beyond limits when the official is out of office for at least two regular legislative secessions, or about four years.
  • Required a representative to have served at least one full term before he or she can be Speaker of the House.
  • Limited the Speaker of the House’s term to 72 calendar months.
  • Limited the term length of standing committee chairs to 72 calendar months.
  • Limited elected local officials to eight calendar years in office.
  • Prohibited an individual from being reappointed to serve as head of a state agency if that individual already did so for more than four years.

I thought it passed, I over looked the not on ballot part. I know the legislators won’t put it on the ballots themselves, but the people should be able to get enough signatures to force it.

10

I don’t think Texas has any mechanism for a referendum or law to be put forth by the people. All we can do is complain, FWIW.

1 Like
11

I would imagine that if Texas did have that mechanism, we would be using it.