North Dakota Supreme Court to Hear Term Limit Measure

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The North Dakota Supreme Court will hear a lawsuit challenging a legislative measure that would allow state lawmakers to serve up to 16 years in either the House or Senate, overriding a 2022 constitutional amendment that limited terms to 8 years per chamber.

Why it matters

The case raises questions about the legislature's ability to modify voter-approved constitutional amendments and the balance of power between the legislative and judicial branches in North Dakota.

The details

The lawsuit alleges the legislature's measure, which is expected to go to the November ballot, violates the 2022 amendment that capped state lawmakers' terms at 8 years per chamber. The lawsuit claims the legislature must reach a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber to change a constitutional amendment.

• The 2022 constitutional amendment limiting state lawmakers to 8 years per chamber was passed by voters.
• The North Dakota Legislature passed a measure last year allowing up to 16 years per chamber and excluding partial terms from counting against term limits.

What’s next

The North Dakota Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case and issue a ruling that will determine whether the legislature's term limit measure can proceed to the November ballot.