North Dakota Senate Considers Resolutions to Change Voter Approved Term Limits

 Sen. Justin Gerhardt, R-Mandan.  Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

(By: Michael Achterling . North Dakota Monitor) – A Senate committee heard a resolution Thursday that attempts to change lawmaker term limits approved by North Dakota voters in 2022.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 4028, sponsored by Sen. Justin Gerhardt, R-Mandan, would allow lawmakers to serve three terms, or 12 years, in either the House or the Senate chamber. The resolution would also limit statewide elected office-holders to three terms in office, but the governor and lieutenant governor would be limited to two terms.

“Three terms allows leaders to serve long enough to gain institutional knowledge and contribute effectively without making public office a lifetime position,” Gerhardt said. “It (the resolution) ensures we don’t force out good leaders too soon, while still keeping fresh voices in the mix.”

Under the proposal, a lawmaker could potentially serve up to 24 years if elected in each chamber.