A Republican state representative has filed a proposed state constitutional amendment that would extend term limits for Oklahoma lawmakers from 12 to 16 years.
House Joint Resolution 1007 was filed Wednesday by state Rep. Paul Wesselhoft of Moore.
Oklahoma's current 12-year term limit was approved by voters in 1990. Wesselhoft said his proposal would provide for more experience in state legislators.
Wesselhoft says lawmakers with knowledge and leadership are forced out of office by term limits — giving lobbyists and state agency directors too much influence over state government.
The proposal must pass both the state House and Senate before going to a vote of the people.
The legislative session begins Feb. 2.
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