JEFFERSON CITY — A Missouri House committee has endorsed a proposed ballot measure allowing lawmakers to serve 16 years in either the House or the Senate.
Currently, lawmakers are limited to about eight years in each chamber, for a total of about 16 years. Voters approved those term limits by a 2-1 margin in 1992.
The newly proposed constitutional amendment would keep that 16-year total but allow lawmakers to spend the whole time in one chamber.
Supporters cite a lack of institutional knowledge in the Legislature. They say a House member can take several years to get up to speed, only to leave the chamber a couple of years later.
Critics say the legislation would go against the wishes of voters.
The House Elections Committee endorsed the proposal 9-1 on Tuesday.