By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona State Rep. Walt Blackman (R-LD7) has introduced a constitutional measure to change legislative term lengths, adjust term limits, and establish new post-service lobbying restrictions for former legislators.
Blackman, who serves as chairman of the House Government Committee, filed House Concurrent Resolution 2014 (HCR 2014), which would refer the proposed changes to voters in a statewide election.
The measure is broad and would double the current two-year terms of the House and Senate and impose limitations on their ability to lobby upon leaving office.
“Legislators work for the voters, not for themselves or for future lobbying clients,” Blackman said in the release. “HCR 2014 sets clear limits on how long lawmakers can stay in office and draws a hard line after they leave. It strengthens accountability and keeps the focus where it belongs — on the people we’re elected to serve.”
Under the measure:
- Legislative terms would transition to four-year terms beginning in 2033.
- Legislators would be limited to eight years of consecutive service in each chamber.
- Representatives and senators could only return to the same chamber after a one-term break.
- Former legislators would be subject to a one-year “cooling-off” period before they may lobby the Legislature, though they could still engage in other professional or civic activity during that time.
As a constitutional resolution, HCR 2014 must be approved by Arizona voters in a statewide election to take effect.
As the legislative session progresses, the Resolution is likely to spark debate in both chambers of the Legislature and among Arizona voters over the nature of representation, accountability, and the relationship between elected officials and special interests.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
