HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4 Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to terms of legislators. Co-Chair Therriault explained that HJR 4 proposes to limit terms by limiting the number of regular legislative sessions a person may serve. The resolution proposes that a person may not serve consecutively more than twelve regular sessions in the Legislature. A person may not again serve in the Legislature as a result of election or appointment to fill a vacancy until at least two consecutive regular sessions have lapsed. In addition, when tabulating the number of sessions served, special sessions shall not be countered nor shall time served as the result of appointment to fill a vacancy. He recommended that term limits are a positive legislative reform, guaranteeing that new legislators will be elected along with new ideas. The popularity of term limits indicates that a majority of our citizens do not prefer career politicians representing them. Term limits will also level the playing field for challengers facing long- term incumbents whose power oftentimes is derived primarily from seniority. Representative Martin suggested that Section 3 was not needed. Co-Chair Therriault responded that legal drafters recommended adding that language so that the constitutional amendment could be voted upon; however, at the same time, legislators running on the year for which the language was included, would be precluded from counting that year if Section 3 was not added. The language provides a delayed effective date, so that those people are able to serve their term out. Representative J. Davies pointed out that from a national legislative term study undertaken from 1959 through 1994, legislators that served eight years or less comprised 84%, whereas, legislators who served twelve years or less comprised 94%. He submitted, given those numbers, there is no compelling or practical reason for the legislation which would prohibit that 6% from serving longer terms. Representative J. Davies ascertained that having a few members in the legislative body with institutional knowledge derived from a long tenure is useful. Representative Kelly echoed Representative Davies concerns. Representative Foster MOVED to report HJR 4 out of Committee with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal notes. HJR 4 was reported out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with fiscal notes by the Office of the Lt. Governor dated 1/30/98 and the Legislative Affairs Agency dated 1/30/98. (Tape Change HFC 98- 66, Side 2).