The joint resolution on term limits that has come out of the Senate Judiciary Committee would restrict elected officials and most judges to serving no more than 12 years in office. The bill, which would require a constitutional amendment approved by the voting public, shortens the legislative session by a month and also allows citizens to petition to place issues on the ballot. The Senate version would prevent citizens from amending the constitution, and allow the legislature and governor to override winning initiatives. The major difference between the Senate and House versions of term limits is when they take effect and who they affect. Term limits may make the public feel a little bit better, but really don't affect the way the game works, said John Crangle, director of the political watchdog group Common Cause.
Term limits are a snake oil solution for a real problem.
Campaign finance reform is what's needed. Sen. Ford has placed objections on the bill, and debate is expected in mid to late April. This is late enough in the session where nothing may pass but legislators can take credit for trying. Conservative Republicans have objected to the bill, claiming that it interferes with their notion of how families should be raised. The House bill hasn't made it out of committee, and recently narrowly failed being attached to the House budget.