Several proposals have been placed on the November 3rd statewide ballot. Proposal B, which is discussed below, would amend several articles of the Michigan Constitution to limit the number of terms that could be served by United States congressional representatives and senators, members of the state Legislature, and elected officials of the executive branch of state government. The remaining ballot proposals will be discussed in subsequent Council Comments.

THE ISSUE IN BRIEF

Proposal B was placed on the November 3rd statewide ballot by initiative petition and, if approved by voters, would:

1. add a Section 10 to Article 2 of the state Constitution limiting
   — United States congressional representatives elected from Michigan to no more than three two-year terms during any 12-year period;
   — United States senators elected from Michigan to no more than two six-year terms during any 24-year period.
2. add a section 54 to Article 4 of the state Constitution limiting
   — state representatives to three two-year terms in total; and
   — state senators to two four-year terms in total;
3. add a Section 30 to Article 5 of the state Constitution limiting
   — the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general to two four-year terms in total.
4. add a Section 4 to Article 12 of the state Constitution stating
   — that the foregoing provisions are severable.

Proposal B would apply to terms of office that commence on or after January 1, 1993. The proposal would deem persons appointed or elected to fill a vacancy for a period longer than one-half of a term to have served one full term.