Malcolm Rivera
The Louisiana Constitution, also known as the Constitution of the State of Louisiana, has been amended several times since its inception. The state has had 11 constitutions, with the current one being adopted in 1974. This constitution has been frequently modified, with 321 proposed amendments on the ballot between 1978 and 2024, of which 221 were approved by voters. The process of amending the constitution involves the state legislature referring constitutional amendments to the ballot, where voters make the final decision. Louisiana's constitutional history dates back to 1812, with subsequent changes influenced by political events, civil rights, and the state's unique legal landscape.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of times Louisiana Constitution was amended | 221 amendments out of 321 proposed amendments were adopted by voters between 1978 and 2024 |
| First Constitution | Drafted on January 22, 1812 |
| Current Constitution | Adopted in 1974 |
| Number of Constitutions | 11 |
| Current Number of Articles | 14 |
| Amendment Process | A two-thirds (66.67%) vote is required during one session of the Louisiana State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot |
| Minimum Votes Required in Louisiana House of Representatives | 70 |
| Minimum Votes Required in Louisiana State Senate | 26 |
| Governor Signature Required | No |
| Amendment Frequency | Amendments can be referred to the ballot in odd-numbered and even-numbered years |
| Examples of Amendments | Lowering the maximum rate of income tax, increasing income tax deductions for citizens over 65, providing for a government growth limit, modifying the operation of certain constitutional funds, providing for property tax exemptions, and providing a permanent teacher salary increase |
| Example of Amendment Year | 1861 |
| Reason for Amendment in 1861 | To dissolve the union with the United States of America and prepare for war |
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What You'll Learn
Louisiana's 1974 constitution was amended in 2025
Louisiana's constitution has been amended several times since its inception, with the state providing two mechanisms for amendments: a legislative process and a state constitutional convention. The legislative process involves the state legislature referring constitutional amendments to the ballot for voters to decide, with a simple majority vote (50% plus 1) required for approval.
In 2025, Louisiana's 1974 Constitution was amended, with four constitutional amendments put forth for consideration on the March 29 ballot. These amendments covered a range of issues, including specialty trial courts and the discipline of lawyers, as well as changes to the state's tax policies.
One notable amendment, referred to as Amendment #2, was a comprehensive rewrite of Article VII of the constitution. This amendment made significant changes to the state's tax landscape by requiring that all new sales tax breaks be applicable at both the state and local levels. It also retained the prohibition of levying a state sales tax on certain essential items, such as food for home consumption, residential utilities, and prescription drugs. Additionally, it prohibited local governments from imposing a property tax on prescription drugs, potentially removing barriers to the expansion of pharmaceutical manufacturing in the state.
Another amendment created new protections, limitations, or requirements regarding taxes, expenditures, and revenues. It also made changes to existing trust funds, created incentives for local governments to eliminate the local business inventory tax, and addressed the Unfunded Accrued Liability in the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana.
These amendments to Louisiana's 1974 Constitution in 2025 reflect the state's dynamic approach to governance and its commitment to adapting its foundational documents to meet the evolving needs of its citizens.
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Amendments are decided by voters
Louisiana has had 11 constitutions since the first was drafted on January 22, 1812, with the current state constitution—the Louisiana Constitution of 1974—being the most recent. This constitution has 14 articles, and from 1978 to 2024, 321 proposed amendments have been on the ballot, with 221 (68.84%) adopted by voters.
Amendments to the Louisiana Constitution are decided by voters, who have the power to shape the state's laws and policies. According to Article XII, the state legislature can refer constitutional amendments to the ballot for voters to decide. A two-thirds (66.67%) vote is required during one session of the Louisiana State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. This amounts to a minimum of 70 votes in the Louisiana House of Representatives and 26 votes in the Louisiana State Senate, assuming no vacancies.
The process of amending the Louisiana Constitution through voter decisions is not a recent development. In fact, as early as 1861, a convention of delegates met to address issues surrounding secession and adopted ordinances that amended the Constitution of 1852 to prepare for war. This amended constitution is often referred to as the "Constitution of 1861" or the "Confederate Constitution."
Over time, the state has seen several constitutions, with the 1921 constitution being replaced due to its length, and the 1868 constitution failing to address civil rights issues, which were finally tackled in the 1974 constitution. Voters have shown discernment in their decisions, rejecting a plethora of amendments in 1970 and 1972, many of which were deemed to be local matters rather than constitutional issues.
The voters of Louisiana continue to play an active role in shaping their state's constitution. For instance, on March 29, 2025, voters were presented with four constitutional amendments on the Municipal Election Ballot, including the Louisiana Legislative Authority to Determine Crimes for Trying Juveniles as Adults Amendment. This particular amendment aimed to remove the constitutional authorization for specific crimes, allowing lawmakers to decide which crimes should qualify through state law and enabling them to make changes without needing a constitutional amendment. Another amendment proposed revisions to Article VII of the Constitution, suggesting changes such as lowering the maximum income tax rate, increasing tax deductions for citizens over 65, and providing property tax exemptions. These examples demonstrate how voters in Louisiana have a direct say in amending their state's constitution, ensuring that the laws reflect the values and needs of the people.
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A two-thirds vote is required to propose an amendment
Louisiana has had 11 constitutions since it drafted its first in 1812, and its current constitution—formally the Constitution of the State of Louisiana—was adopted in 1974. This constitution has been frequently amended, with 321 proposed amendments appearing on the ballot between 1978 and 2024, of which 221 (68.84%) were adopted by voters.
To propose an amendment to the Louisiana Constitution, a two-thirds vote (66.67%) is required during a single session of the Louisiana State Legislature. This amounts to a minimum of 70 votes in the Louisiana House of Representatives and 26 votes in the Louisiana State Senate, assuming no vacancies. The Louisiana Constitution grants the state Legislature the power to refer constitutional amendments to the ballot for voters to decide. Notably, these amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot. Instead, they are placed on the ballot for voters to decide on whether to approve them.
The process of amending the Louisiana Constitution has been utilised frequently, with voters considering a plethora of amendments over the years. For example, in 1970 and 1972, voters rejected a multitude of amendments, many of which were deemed to be local matters rather than issues requiring constitutional amendments. More recently, in the March 2025 Municipal Election Ballot, voters were asked to consider four constitutional amendments. One of these proposed amendments was the Louisiana Legislative Authority to Determine Crimes for Trying Juveniles as Amendments, which aimed to grant the Louisiana Legislature the power to decide which crimes could lead to a juvenile being tried as an adult. Another proposed amendment sought to revise Article VII of the Constitution of Louisiana, encompassing various tax-related changes, such as lowering the maximum income tax rate and increasing income tax deductions for citizens over 65.
The two-thirds vote requirement serves as a crucial step in the process of amending the Louisiana Constitution. By necessitating a supermajority, this threshold helps ensure that proposed amendments have substantial support within the state Legislature before being presented to the voters for their consideration and final decision.
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Amendments can be proposed in odd and even years
Louisiana has had 11 constitutions since it first drafted its constitution on January 22, 1812, and became a U.S. state on April 30 of that same year. The current constitution, formally known as the Constitution of the State of Louisiana, was adopted in 1974 and consists of 14 articles.
The Louisiana Constitution can be amended in odd-numbered and even-numbered years. A two-thirds vote (66.67%) during one session of the Louisiana State Legislature is required to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. This amounts to a minimum of 70 votes in the Louisiana House of Representatives and 26 votes in the Louisiana State Senate. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
Between 1978 and 2024, 321 proposed amendments were on the ballot, and 221 (68.84%) were adopted by voters. Voters rejected a plethora of amendments in 1970 and 1972, many of which should have been local matters if the agencies were not constitutional in nature.
In March 2025, voters in Louisiana were asked to vote on four constitutional amendments. One of these amendments was the Louisiana Legislative Authority to Determine Crimes for Trying Juveniles as Amendments, which would have removed the constitutional authorization for farmers' and fishermen's programs. Another proposed amendment would have revised Article VII of the Constitution of Louisiana, including lowering the maximum rate of income tax and increasing income tax deductions for citizens over 65.
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The 1861 constitution was amended to prepare for war
Louisiana has had 11 constitutions since 1812, with the current and latest one being adopted in 1974. The state's constitution can be amended through a legislative process or a state constitutional convention, with both methods requiring voter approval. A simple majority vote (50% plus 1) is needed for voters to approve constitutional amendments.
The 1861 convention and the resulting amendments were a response to the political turmoil of the time, including Louisiana's decision to dissolve its union with the United States. The state's history during this period was marked by conflicting ideologies, with battles between Radical Republicans and Southern Democrats. The Democratic resumption of power in 1877 led to the formation of the Solid South coalition.
The 1861 constitution was not the first time Louisiana had amended its foundational document. In 1845, an act was approved to re-adopt, amend, or change the Constitution of the State, as the 1812 version was considered outdated. This act led to a convention of delegates who met in August 1844 to update the constitution. Louisiana's history of amending its constitution continued after 1861, with new versions adopted in 1864, 1868, 1879, 1898, 1913, and 1921.
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Frequently asked questions
The state of Louisiana has had 11 constitutions since 1812. The current constitution, adopted in 1974, has been amended 221 times out of 321 proposed amendments since 1978.
Amendments to the Louisiana Constitution can be referred to the ballot in odd-numbered and even-numbered years. A two-thirds vote (at least 70 votes in the House of Representatives and 26 in the State Senate) is required during one session of the Louisiana State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. Amendments do not require the governor's signature.
Examples of amendments to the Louisiana Constitution include the Fourteenth Amendment, adopted in 1868, which led to the state being readmitted to the Union; and amendments to Article VII, which include lowering the maximum rate of income tax and increasing income tax deductions for citizens over 65.
