A state lawmaker wants to change the term limit law, giving legislators the ability to serve four terms in one House, instead of the current three. Lafayette Representative Stuart Bishop says too much experience is being lost, giving staff and lobbyists more institutional knowledge.
“I have the most wonderful staff that I can ever possibly ask for and I have nothing against lobbyists, but I truly believe that you should be able to serve four terms in the Legislature,” said Bishop.
A constitutional amendment went into effect in 2007 limiting legislators to three full-consecutive terms in one House, which is 12 years. Bishop says that’s not enough time to know all of the inner workings of law-making. He says a business would not limit a person’s occupation to 12 years.
“Hire a CFO to say hey look I need you to come in and get all my books straight and I need you to run this business for me, but bottom line 12 years I’m going to fire you,” said Bishop.
Bishop serves as House Ways and Means Chairman. That committee writes tax laws and develops the state’s construction budget. He says it takes years of experience to fully grasp the job of a legislator.
“That’s a lot to wrap your head around when it comes to these numbers and these spreadsheets and once you finally completely understand it they tell you nope you can’t do this anymore,” said Bishop.
This is Bishop’s last term in office and says he does not plan on running for a Senate seat, so this legislation would not personally benefit him.
His legislation will be heard in the regular session that begins on March 14th.
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