Constitutional Amendment 1Constitutional amendment · Put on the ballot by lawmakers
Extend legislative term limits
Explain it like I'm 5
State senators can now serve eight years in a row before sitting out. This would let them serve 12 years in a row, like letting a team captain serve three seasons instead of two.
Yes vote
State senators could serve up to three consecutive four-year terms instead of two.
No vote
The current limit of two consecutive four-year terms remains.
The question to ask yourself
Is more legislative experience worth less turnover and longer incumbent service?
The case for
- More time could help lawmakers understand complex budgets and laws.
- Longer service could preserve institutional knowledge in Nebraska's small Legislature.
- Voters could retain an effective senator for four additional years.
Backed by: Sen. Rob Dover and original co-sponsors, Civic Nebraska, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska Farm Bureau
The case against
- Shorter limits create more openings for new people and ideas.
- Longer service may strengthen incumbents, insiders, and lobbyists.
- Voters approved the current two-term limit, so changing it should require a clear reason.
Opposed by: Nebraska State Grange
- Money
- There is no direct tax change or state cost estimate for this amendment.
- Don't be misled
- Calling this an end to term limits is misleading because senators would still face a three-term consecutive limit.