LINCOLN — A legislative committee endorsed a proposal Monday to increase the time Nebraska lawmakers can serve from eight years to 12 before term limits require them to step down.
Six members of the Executive Board voted to advance the proposal to the full Legislature and three voted against. If senators approve the proposed constitutional amendment it will go on the November ballot for consideration by voters.
The resolution’s sponsor, Sen. Tom Carlson of Holdrege, said Monday he will designate the proposal his priority bill, ensuring it is scheduled for debate by the full Legislature this session.
In 2000, 55 percent of Nebraska voters approved limiting senators to two consecutive four-year terms. Under the current law, a senator can seek re-election to the Legislature after sitting out a full term.
Legislative Resolution 358 CA would allow lawmakers to serve a third four-year term before term limits kick in.
Supporters of extending term limits argue it will give senators more time to use the experience they gain during eight years at the State Capitol. Opponents argue that the voters decided the matter in 2000 and that adding a third term would lead to further attempts to extend or repeal the limits.
It’s the session’s second proposed constitutional amendment related to a senator’s job description. Last week the Executive Board advanced Legislative Resolution 373 CA to increase lawmakers’ base salary from $12,000 to $22,500.
Nebraska senators haven’t received a raise in 24 years. The raise proposal also would require voter approval if it gains the support of lawmakers.
In other action Monday, the Executive Board killed three other proposals:
» A bill and a resolution by Sen. Bill Avery of Lincoln to take senator pay out of the Nebraska Constitution and allow it to be set by a governor-appointed commission.
» A resolution by Sen. Tony Fulton that sought to clarify the definition of a half-term of legislative service for senators who are appointed to office. Under current law, serving more than a half term is considered the same as a full term. Fulton will be term-limited after serving six years in the Legislature after Secretary of State John Gale calculated his service by number of days. Fulton sought to calculate a half term based on the number of sessions served.
Contact the writer: 402-473-9587, joe.duggan@owh.com
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