North Dakota House OKs measures for longer term limits, more session days

The North Dakota House of Representatives has authorized the passage of measures that would lead to longer term limits and more session days for state legislators. The vote was taken to adopt the constitutional amendments that would bring about these changes.

The amendments, which passed with a vote of 73 to 17, would extend the current four-year term limit for legislators to six years. This would be a two-year increase from the current limit, and the measures would require approval from the state’s voters.

The other amendment that passed would grant the legislature the power to establish session days and the length of the session. Currently, the legislature meets for a maximum of 80 days in odd-numbered years and 40 days in even-numbered years. The new amendment would require the legislature to meet for a minimum of 80 days in odd-numbered years and 40 days in even-numbered years.

The amendments, if approved by the state’s voters, would bring about the longest-term limits and the most session days among all of the states. The changes were proposed by Republican Rep. Jeff Delzer, who said that these amendments would provide the legislature with more time to accomplish its goals.

“This is not about power,” Delzer said. “It’s about giving the legislature the time to do their job, to get the job done. The current limits are simply too short.”

The amendments were met with strong opposition from the Democrats, who argued that the longer terms and more session days would give the Republican majority more power.

“The Republican party has had a majority in the House for the past several years,” said Democratic Rep. Gretchen Dobervich. “These measures will only serve to make their grip on power stronger.”

The amendments must now pass through the North Dakota Senate before they can be placed on the ballot for a public vote. If the measures are approved by the state’s citizens, it could bring about a significant change in the way the legislature meets, and a longer term for state legislators.

Only time will tell if these amendments, which passed in the House with a wide majority, will be approved by the Senate and the citizens of North Dakota.