Schulz Ballot Initiative Would Expand Most Statewide Term Limits to 12 Years

Immediate Release: January 14, 2016

Schulz plans proposal to allow most statewide officials to serve terms of up to 12 years

Senate Majority Floor Leader Mike Schulz today announced his intention to file legislation that would allow most statewide officials to serve up to 12 years in office. Schulz said his proposal would not apply to the office of the governor, or corporation commissioners. Oklahoma corporation commissioners may currently serve terms of up to 12 years.

“Term limits are good public policy, and my proposal would ensure they stay in place, but for most statewide offices a longer term is going to allow for more efficient and effective administration,” said Schulz, R-Altus. 

“Twelve year term limits have worked for members of the Legislature, and they will be just as effective for statewide offices. A great deal of expertise and knowledge are required to effectively administer these offices, and sensibly extending these terms to up to 12 years is a reform that can produce a better state government.”

Schulz’s proposal would send the reform to a vote of the people, which would appear on the 2016 general election ballot.

“Term limits have been effective in bringing fresh ideas to all levels of state government,” Schulz said. “Extending those limits will allow our statewide officials to build a stronger foundation of experience and knowledge to manage their responsibilities in an even more effective manner.”

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