RI
Rhode Island House Bill H7238
Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session
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Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7238

Introduced
1/21/26  

Caption

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- FOUR YEAR TERMS AND TERM LIMITS FOR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS (Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, that would create four (4) year terms for general assembly members and impose term limits of three (3) full four (4) year terms on said members commencing with the 2028 election.)

Impact

The introduction of four-year terms is intended to provide elected officials with more stability in their roles, potentially allowing for more comprehensive and long-term planning and governance. Proponents argue that this change could enhance legislative effectiveness, reduce the frequency of election campaigns, and allow representatives to focus on policy-making rather than constant campaigning. Conversely, critics might voice concerns that longer terms could reduce accountability to constituents and diminish the ability of voters to effect change through the electoral process within a short timeframe.

Summary

House Bill H7238 proposes an amendment to the Rhode Island State Constitution that alters the electoral terms for members of the General Assembly. Specifically, the bill seeks to implement a four-year term for representatives and senators, changing the current two-year terms. Additionally, it introduces term limits, specifying that no individual may serve more than three consecutive four-year terms. This change is anticipated to commence from the 2028 elections, reshaping the timeline and structure of legislative elections within the state.

Contention

An area of notable contention surrounding H7238 may revolve around the implications of extending terms and imposing limits on consecutive service. Supporters of the bill might present it as a necessary reform designed to bring efficiency and reduce legislative turnover, while opponents could argue that it removes the voters' power to retain or replace their representatives as frequently as they deem necessary. The balance between stability and accountability in government will likely be a key point of discussion in the lead-up to the potential referendum on this amendment.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5139

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- FOUR YEAR TERMS AND TERM LIMITS FOR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS (Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, that would create four (4) year terms for general assembly members and impose term limits of three (3) full four (4) year terms on said members commencing with the 2028 election.)

RI H5086

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- FOUR YEAR TERMS FOR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS (Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, that would allow four (4) year terms for general assembly members, commencing with the 2028 election.)

RI S0820

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)

RI H5515

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)

RI S0327

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- GREEN AMENDMENT (Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article 1 providing for a right to clean air, soil, climate, and the environment’s natural values.)

RI H5732

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION – GREEN AMENDMENT (Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article 1 providing for a right to clean air, soil, climate, and the environment’s natural values.)

RI S0725

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF THE LEGISLATIVE POWER (Proposes a state constitutional amendment that no department or other entity created by the state would have poser to incur debt in excess of $ 50,000, without express approval from the legislature and voters.)

RI H5734

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to our state Constitution grants the governor a line-item veto on the budget and other appropriation bills.)

RI S0308

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE -- REFERENDUM ON LINE ITEM VETO (This proposed amendment to the Constitution would provide the governor with a line item veto on the budget and other bills for the appropriation of money.)

RI S0208

APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF QUALIFICATION FOR OFFICE

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.