Isabella Carter
Louisiana residents have the opportunity to vote on several constitutional amendments. In December 2024, voters decided on four amendments, including a reworked judicial investigation process, a 48-hour waiting period for lawmakers to vote on appropriation bills, an extension of the regular legislative session, and the ability to place liens on the property of those delinquent in paying taxes. More recently, in March 2025, voters considered four more amendments, such as allowing the legislature to create trial courts of specialized jurisdiction and providing the Supreme Court with original jurisdiction to discipline out-of-state lawyers. Another amendment proposed revisions to Article VII of the Constitution, including lowering the maximum rate of income tax, increasing deductions for citizens over 65, and providing for a government growth limit. These amendments give voters a direct say in shaping the state's constitution and policies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of amendments | 4 |
| Date of voting | 29 March 2025 |
| Early voting dates | 15 March 2025 - 22 March 2025 |
| Amendment 1 | Allow Legislature to Create Trial Courts of Specialized Jurisdiction and Provide Supreme Court Original Jurisdiction to Discipline Out-of-State Lawyers |
| Amendment 2 | A total rewrite of Article VII of the Louisiana Constitution, including revisions to lower the maximum rate of income tax, increase income tax deductions for citizens over sixty-five, provide for a government growth limit, modify operation of certain constitutional funds, provide for property tax exemptions retaining the homestead exemption and exemption for religious organizations, provide a permanent teacher salary increase by requiring a surplus payment to teacher retirement debt, and make other modifications |
| Amendment 3 | Extension of the regular session to pass budget bills |
| Amendment 4 | Deals with people who are delinquent each year in paying taxes |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding the proposed amendments
One proposed amendment that Louisiana voters considered in 2024 was an expansion of the Judiciary Commission and a reworked judicial investigation process. A "yes" vote on this amendment would allow for more members on the commission that investigates and takes action against judges. This could lead to increased scrutiny and accountability for the judiciary.
Amendment number two from the 2024 ballot addressed the legislative process for spending money. A "yes" vote would mandate a 48-hour waiting period for lawmakers before taking a final vote on any appropriation bill, giving more time for review and consideration.
Another amendment that appeared on the 2024 ballot concerned the length of the regular legislative session. A "yes" vote would enable a two-thirds majority of lawmakers to extend the session by up to six days if they need more time to pass bills appropriating money. This amendment provides flexibility to address complex or time-consuming legislation.
In 2025, Louisiana voters considered a proposed amendment to revise Article VII of the Constitution. This amendment included a range of fiscal measures, such as lowering the maximum rate of income tax, increasing deductions for citizens over 65, imposing a government growth limit, and modifying certain constitutional funds. It also addressed property tax exemptions, permanent teacher salary increases, and potential modifications to protected K-12 education funds.
Additionally, in 2025, Louisiana voters encountered a proposed amendment to allow the legislature to create trial courts of specialized jurisdiction. This amendment would also grant the Supreme Court original jurisdiction to discipline out-of-state lawyers.
Understanding these proposed amendments and their potential implications is essential for Louisiana voters to make informed decisions and actively participate in shaping the state's future through the constitutional amendment process.
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How and when to vote
Louisiana residents can vote on constitutional amendments during the state's municipal elections. Voters can cast their ballots in person at the polls.
The next Louisiana municipal election will take place on March 29, 2025, and four constitutional amendments will be on the ballot. The amendments cover the following issues:
- Allowing the legislature to create trial courts of specialised jurisdiction and providing the Supreme Court with original jurisdiction to discipline out-of-state lawyers.
- Providing for the use of the earliest election date to fill judicial vacancies.
- Revising Article VII of the Constitution of Louisiana, including 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 making other modifications.
- Allowing the legislature to decide which crimes could lead to a juvenile being tried as an adult.
Previously, Louisiana residents voted on four constitutional amendments on December 7, 2024. The amendments covered the following issues:
- Expansion of the Judiciary Commission and a reworked judicial investigation process.
- A 48-hour waiting period for lawmakers before taking a final vote on any appropriation bill.
- Extending the regular legislative session to pass budget bills.
- Allowing the lawmakers and the legislature to put liens against a person's property for tax delinquency.
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Who can vote
Louisiana residents can vote on constitutional amendments. In the past, residents have voted on four amendments at a time, and this is also the case for the upcoming March 29, 2025, Municipal Election Ballot.
To be eligible to vote in Louisiana, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a United States citizen
- Be a resident of Louisiana
- Be at least 18 years old
- Not be under an order of imprisonment as a result of a felony conviction
- Not be under a judgment of full interdiction for mental incompetence, or partial interdiction with suspension of voting rights, or be judicially declared mentally incompetent
- Be registered to vote at your current address no later than 30 days before the election
You can register to vote in Louisiana if you are 17 years old, but you must be 18 years old to vote. You can register online, by mail, or in person at your parish's Registrar of Voters Office.
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The impact of voting 'yes'
Voting 'yes' on Louisiana's constitutional amendments can have a significant impact on the state's policies and the lives of its residents. Here are the potential effects of voting 'yes' on some of the amendments proposed in 2024 and 2025:
Amendment 1 (2025)
Voting 'yes' on Amendment 1 in 2025 would have increased the Louisiana Supreme Court's authority to discipline out-of-state lawyers and expanded the Legislature's power to create specialty courts. This could have strengthened the court system, according to supporters.
Amendment 2 (2025)
A 'yes' vote on Amendment 2 in 2025 would have revised Article VII of the Constitution of Louisiana, leading to a lower maximum rate of income tax and increased tax deductions for citizens over 65. It would have also provided for a government growth limit, modified certain constitutional funds, and offered property tax exemptions for religious organizations and homeowners.
Amendment 3 (2024)
Voting 'yes' on Amendment 3 in 2024 would have allowed lawmakers to add up to six days to a regular legislative session if more time was needed to pass bills appropriating money. This amendment aimed to address situations where lawmakers were unable to approve a budget before a new fiscal year, causing issues for state government operations.
Amendment 4 (2025)
A 'yes' vote on Amendment 4 in 2025 would have allowed lawmakers to expand the list of crimes that allow juveniles to be prosecuted as adults. This could have resulted in more children under 17 being tried as adults and held in adult prisons.
Amendment 1 (2024)
Voting 'yes' on Amendment 1 in 2024 would have expanded the Judiciary Commission, allowing for more members to investigate and take action against judges. This amendment aimed to enhance the accountability and effectiveness of the judicial system.
It is important to note that while these are the potential impacts of voting 'yes,' the ultimate consequences can vary based on numerous factors and the specific context of each amendment. Understanding the potential effects of constitutional amendments is crucial for voters to make informed decisions and ensure their votes align with their values and priorities.
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The impact of voting 'no'
The Impact of Voting No
The impact of voting no on Louisiana's constitutional amendments can vary depending on the specific amendment being considered. For example, in the December 7 ballot, Amendment 3 proposed allowing the legislature to extend a regular session by two days, up to a maximum of six days, to pass bills appropriating money. Voting no on this amendment means that the current legislative process remains unchanged. The legislature cannot extend its session to pass such bills, and state lawmakers can send them to the governor at any time during the legislative session.
Voting no on Amendment 2 in the March 29, 2025, ballot would have resulted in retaining the existing provisions regarding the Louisiana Supreme Court's oversight of lawyer discipline and the Legislature's authority to create specialty courts. It would also maintain the current governing revenue collections, budgeting procedures, saving accounts, and taxation rules.
Voting no on Amendment 4 in the December 7 ballot meant maintaining the status quo regarding tax delinquency. The lawmakers and the legislature would not have the power to put liens against a person's property for delinquent taxes.
Additionally, voting no on the amendment to revise Article VII of the Constitution of Louisiana would result in keeping the current maximum rate of income tax, income tax deductions for citizens over sixty-five, government growth limits, and operation of certain constitutional funds. It would also maintain property tax exemptions for religious organizations and nonprofits, such as hospitals, schools, unions, and social aid clubs.
It is worth noting that voting no on these amendments reflects the public's desire to maintain the existing laws and procedures, preventing any potential negative consequences that may arise from implementing the proposed changes.
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