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Plocher proposes term limits for all statewide officials

Plocher also files HJR to adjust term limits for members of the General Assembly

 

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State Rep. Dean Plocher filed a proposed constitutional amendment (HJR 51) that would allow Missouri voters to decide if all statewide officials should be prohibited from being elected for more than two four-year terms. Presently, the Governor and State Treasurer are the only statewide officials subject to term limits.

If HJR 51 is approved by both the House and the Senate, the proposed Term Limits would go before the voters in November 2018. Plocher said the change would add uniformity among all statewide office holders and would better allow new ideas and leadership to get involved.

“It’s important to have consistency with our statewide offices rather than the current system which only subjects the Governor and Treasurer to term limits. With term limits fresh ideas and new leadership will be more able to serve all statewide office positions. I am confident voters across Missouri will agree this issue needs to be addressed,” said Plocher, R-Des Peres.

The Governor’s office also supports term limits. “We need term limits for every statewide office holder. I’m proud to support Rep. Plocher’s efforts to get this done,” Governor Greitens remarked.

Additionally, Plocher also filed HJR 50, a proposal to modify the current term limits for members of the Missouri House and Senate. Following approval by both legislative bodies, HJR 50 would go on the November ballot. Presently, legislative members can serve a combined 16 years in both the House and Senate, but can only serve 8 years in either body. If approved by the voters, the constitutional change would keep the legislative service limits at 16 years but would allow members to serve up to 12 years in one chamber.

“These proposed constitutional amendments will enact reasonable term limit reforms that allows for more legislative experience in the House of Representatives while placing all statewide elected officials under the same standard,” Plocher added.

Both HJR proposed amendments would not change the limits for current members of the General Assembly, or anyone elected to serve before the general election in 2018.