Term Limits

A 12-year study has concluded that lobbyist influence has been boosted by Michigan's term limits. (Lansing State Journal)

AT A GLANCE

In 1993, Michigan enacted term limits that restrict state House members to three two-year terms and state senators to two four-year terms. A new 12-year study from Wayne State University concludes that term limits have:

• Caused many novice lawmakers to rely increasingly on lobbyists for information related to legislation.

• Led to an erosion of the power of committee chairs, which has hindered the legislative process.

• Led to less interaction between agency heads and lawmakers, and less effective oversight by lawmakers.