In 2012 voters approved Prop 28, a modification to the term limits law for state legislators. What are some of the issues or concerns that Prop 28 is supposed to address that were raised by Prop 140, the original term limits law?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Varies. Voters approved a change to the term limits law in 2012 with Proposition 28, reducing the total number of years that a lawmaker can serve (from 14 to 12), but allowing a lawmaker to serve all 12 years in one house or a combination of both. Proponents aimed to reduce the membership turnover that was caused by the previous term limits rule that Assembly members could only serve three terms, or a maximum of 6 years, in that chamber. Such strict limits created the impression that "everyone's running for the next office," meaning that many members left when a more attractive office became available--often before they had served all 6 years. The 6-year limit also created higher numbers of "lame ducks" who did not face another election to keep them accountable to their constituents. Such steep membership turnover and large classes of inexperienced freshmen reduced the Assembly's effectiveness in comparison to the Senate. Senators, with more expertise, "institutional memory," and experience, currently have longer term perspectives and more experienced staff. As Assembly members accumulate more experience, the differences between the chambers will lessen.