Term limit related legislation fell one vote shy of approval in the House Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. The measure, calling for a constitutional amendment and voter referendum, limits members in both the House and Senate to 16 years, starting with this fall’s election.
Elizabethtown Representative Jim Duplessis brought the bill before the House panel. “Term limits is a strong start to getting money and power out of politics. I believe that 16 years are long enough for somebody to accomplish what they need to do for their constituents,” said Duplessis. “And it helps bring in fresh ideas by bringing in fresh people.”
Duplessis said the bill would allow a lawmaker who serves 16 years in one chamber to seek office in the other. It also would permit a term limited legislator to sit out for two years and run again for the same seat. Frankfort Representative Derrick Graham voted no in committee. “Term limits are the people deciding whether or not they want you to come back. And that’s determined on how you represent your district,” noted Graham.
Louisville Representative Mary Lou Marzian also cast a no vote, adding campaign finance reform is needed to limit spending in a political race. Duplessis, meanwhile, believes the term limit legislation is probably dead for this session
