Longer legislative terms proposed

State senators could serve up to 12 years under a proposed constitutional amendment heard by members of the Executive Board Feb. 23.

Currently, a state senator can serve two consecutive four-year terms. LR7CA, introduced by Columbus Sen. Paul Schumacher, would extend this to two six-year terms.

Schumacher said that term limits have been both good and bad for the state.

“Those of us who have served here understand that there is a distinct downside [to term limits],” he said. “There is a lack of institutional memory and lack of experience, particularly at the committee level. The people got it right on two terms, but the impact of four-year terms is problematic.”

Six-year terms would begin for odd-numbered districts with the 2020 general election and even-numbered districts in 2022. No currently serving state senator would benefit from the extension of legislative terms.

A term-limited senator would be eligible to run for office again after sitting out one six-year term.

Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers spoke in favor of the proposal, saying that term limits has made it more difficult for new senators to process all of the information necessary to work effectively.

“I think some of the senators who come in here and think term limits are a good thing quickly realize that two terms is not enough to really learn and be able to make use of [that knowledge],” he said. “Just about the time that people realize that this institution must be respected and protected, it’s time for them to leave.”

No one testified in opposition to the measure and the committee took no immediate action on it.