Bill > HB570

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to establish term limits for Hawaii state legislators, specifically limiting members to a maximum of twelve years of service in either the house of representatives or senate, or a combination of both, for terms beginning after the 2026 general election. The bill is motivated by a 2023 Pew Research study showing broad public support for legislative term limits and concerns about career politicians. The proposed amendment would modify Article III, Section 4 of Hawaii's Constitution to add the twelve-year limit while maintaining the existing two-year terms for representatives and four-year terms for senators. If approved, the amendment would require voter ratification through a ballot measure that directly asks voters whether they support limiting legislators to twelve years of service. The bill notes that fifteen other states already have similar legislative term limit provisions, ranging from eight to twelve years, and suggests this limit is appropriate given the part-time nature of Hawaii's legislature. The amendment would take effect upon compliance with the state constitution's amendment procedures.