The state Senate Monday passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Joseph Griffo (R-Rome) that would set into law eight-year term limits for leadership positions in the Senate and Assembly.

The measure, S2722B, is consistent with what is already in place in Senate rules but limits the number of consecutive years a legislator can serve as a committee chair or party leader, according to a press release from Griffo’s office.

Griffo represents the 47th Senate District, part of which is a north-south swath of St. Lawrence County from Lawrence to Pitcairn, including Massena and Potsdam.

The bill limits the tenure to eight years of the Temporary President of the Senate, Speaker of the Assembly, and minority leaders of both houses. Legislative committee chairs would also be limited to serving no more than eight consecutive years.

The Senate first voluntarily implemented leadership term limits in 2009 as part of the rules governing the Senate. Adoption of the new measure would make them permanent in law for both the Senate and Assembly.

The bill will be sent to the Assembly for their action.

The issue regained prominence when Sheldon Silver, a Manhattan Democrat who stepped down as assembly speaker after 20 years in the position, was arraigned on federal corruption charges.

“Today, we've taken a step toward better government,” said Sen. Griffo. “Capping the time that leaders and committee chairs can serve in those posts will ensure fresh, new ideas and lead to better laws and more open, accessible government for citizens. We should constantly be looking for ways to make government work more effectively, and to help build the public's trust and confidence in their elected leaders.”