STATE HOUSE – Rep. Stephen R. Ucci (D-Dist. 42, Johnston, Cranston) has introduced legislation that would allow voters to decide on a proposal to increase term lengths for and impose term limits upon members of the General Assembly.
Under the proposal, elections held after 2010 would be held every four years. Legislators would serve four-year terms and be limited to three terms (totaling 12 years) in the same chamber.
The measure (2008-H 8039) would require a constitutional amendment to be placed before voters in a statewide referendum this November.
“Longer, four-year terms for lawmakers would result in more stability in the legislature and ultimately, more voter trust and confidence in the General Assembly,” said Representative Ucci. “Most legislators cannot accomplish everything they’d like to for their communities in a two-year term. Increasing the term length would allow legislators to spend less time dealing with campaign and fundraising issues and more time carrying out the wishes of their constituents.”
The Ucci legislation would limit any senator or representative who has served in his or her respective chamber for more than four years as of December 31, 2010 to two additional four-year terms.
“Term limits would create an opportunity for new people with fresh ideas to be elected into office,” said Representative Ucci. “It’s important for our state to have a governing body that reflects our growing diversity.”
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 15 states currently have term limits for legislators. Representative Ucci said that term limits have proven to be successful and have resulted in more women and minority representation in six of those 15 states.
The resolution has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.
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