Arizona Measure Targets Legislative Terms and Lobbying

Arizona Lawmaker Proposes Constitutional Changes to Legislative Terms and Lobbying Rules

Arizona voters could soon be asked to weigh in on a significant restructuring of how their state legislature operates, following the introduction of a new constitutional measure aimed at modernizing term limits and tightening post-service lobbying rules.

The proposal, introduced by state Representative Walt Blackman, seeks to transition Arizona lawmakers from two-year terms to four-year terms beginning in 2033, while also establishing clearer limits on how long legislators can serve consecutively and when they may return to office. In addition, the measure would create a one-year “cooling-off” period before former lawmakers could lobby the legislature after leaving office.

Because the proposal amends the state constitution, it would ultimately require approval by voters at a statewide election before taking effect.

A Shift to Four-Year Legislative Terms

At the center of the measure is a structural change to how often Arizona lawmakers face elections. Under the proposal, legislative terms would move from the current two-year cycle to four-year terms starting with the 2033 legislative session.

Supporters of the change argue that longer terms would allow lawmakers more time to develop expertise, focus on long-term policy goals, and govern without the constant pressure of campaigning. The proposal’s findings state that four-year terms are intended to promote stability, deliberation, and more effective governance.

The measure is prospective only, meaning it would not alter current terms or affect lawmakers already serving before 2033.

Reworking Term Limits Without Eliminating Them

The proposal also revises how term limits are calculated. Rather than counting terms, it would limit consecutive service by years. Legislators would be allowed to serve up to eight consecutive years in the House of Representatives or eight consecutive years in the Senate.

After reaching that limit, a legislator would be required to sit out for at least one full four-year term before returning to the same chamber. Importantly, service in one chamber would not count toward service in the other, meaning a lawmaker could move directly from the House to the Senate, or vice versa, once reaching the eight-year cap.

Partial terms would be handled carefully under the proposal. Service of more than two years of a four-year term would count as a full term, while two years or less would still count toward the eight-year limit but not be considered a full term on its own.

Establishing a Post-Service Lobbying Cooling-Off Period

Beyond term limits, the measure introduces a new post-service restriction aimed at addressing concerns about revolving-door politics. Former legislators would be prohibited from lobbying the Arizona Legislature for one year after leaving office.

During that one-year period, former lawmakers would be barred from registering as lobbyists, lobbying current legislators or staff, directing lobbying activities, or using nonpublic information gained during their legislative service to influence legislative action.

At the same time, the proposal makes clear that former legislators would still be allowed to pursue non-lobbying professional work, including consulting, policy analysis, strategic advice, or subject-matter expertise that does not involve lobbying. Uncompensated civic, academic, or educational activities would also remain permissible.

The measure specifies that these restrictions are meant to supplement existing ethics and lobbying laws, not replace them.

Supporters Emphasize Accountability and Public Trust

In introducing the proposal, Blackman emphasized the importance of reinforcing accountability and keeping the focus on public service rather than personal advancement after leaving office.

“Legislators work for the voters, not for themselves or for future lobbying clients,” he said. “This measure sets clear limits on how long lawmakers can stay in office and draws a hard line after they leave.”

The findings section of the proposal states that cooling-off periods are intended to strengthen public trust by reducing the appearance of impropriety, while still allowing former legislators to earn a living in non-lobbying roles.

What Happens Next

As a constitutional resolution, the proposal does not require gubernatorial approval. Instead, if passed by the legislature, it would be placed on the ballot for voters to decide at a future statewide election.

If approved, the changes would take effect beginning with legislative terms starting on or after January 1, 2033, reshaping the structure of Arizona’s legislature for future generations.