Pennsylvania Resolution proposes term limits of three terms for Senators and six terms for Representatives

Original title: A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, further providing for terms of members.

Last action · January 23, 2025: Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Jan. 23, 2025Sponsors: Perry Stambaugh and 8 others

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What This Bill Would Do

Pennsylvania House Bill 301 proposes a constitutional amendment to cap state Senators at three consecutive full terms and state Representatives at six consecutive full terms. Legislators who reach these limits would be eligible to run again only after a four-year break. The amendment requires passage by two successive General Assemblies and approval by voters in a statewide election.

Why it matters

Establishes a constitutional restriction on how long continuous service can last for members of the General Assembly, affecting career lengths and creating mandatory sitting gaps for long-serving lawmakers.

Background

Pennsylvania currently places no constitutional limits on the number of consecutive terms that members of the General Assembly may serve. context
Constitutional amendments in Pennsylvania require passage by two separately elected sessions of the General Assembly followed by approval from voters in a statewide referendum. context

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Senators

State Senators face a restriction of a maximum of three consecutive full terms followed by a four-year waiting period.

Directly affected

Representatives

State Representatives face a restriction of a maximum of six consecutive full terms followed by a four-year waiting period.

Directly affected

qualified electors of this Commonwealth

Voters will ultimately decide whether to approve the constitutional amendment at a primary, general, or municipal election.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the proposed term limits for state legislators?

Senators would be limited to three consecutive full terms (12 years total), and Representatives would be limited to six consecutive full terms (12 years total).

Can a lawmaker run for office again after reaching the term limit?

Yes, but only after a gap of not less than four years following the completion of their third consecutive full term (for Senators) or sixth consecutive full term (for Representatives).

How does this constitutional amendment become law?

The amendment must pass two successive sessions of the General Assembly, be advertised by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and be approved by voters at a statewide primary, general, or municipal election.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

1 action

Jan 23, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Jan. 23, 2025

Version history

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