A Guide to Louisiana’s May 2026 Constitutional Amendments

Constitutional amendments offer voters an opportunity to shape the fundamental rules of government. Some of this spring’s proposals will help determine how much power is centralized, how resources are allocated, and how easily policies can adapt to changing needs. If these amendments succeed, these reforms can promote accountability, reduce unnecessary constraints, and better align government with the interests of the people.

On May 16, five critical amendments to the Louisiana Constitution will appear on the ballot for Louisianans to consider. To find out details about early voting dates, voting locations, and more, visit GeauxVote.com. 

Below is an overview, along with our recommendations. Click on each heading to learn more.

Constitutional Amendment 1: Enhancing Accountability in Civil Service

Amendment 1 would allow the Louisiana State Legislature to add or remove positions from the unclassified civil service—authority that currently rests with the Louisiana State Civil Service Commission.

This change strengthens democratic accountability by giving elected officials a greater role in determining how the state workforce is structured. It also introduces flexibility into a system that can be overly rigid, particularly when it comes to hiring and management.

Importantly, the amendment does not hinder the civil service system or its merit-based protections. Instead, it allows for a more balanced approach: preserving safeguards while ensuring that those responsible for governing have the authority to manage effectively.

Recommendation: Support

Constitutional Amendment 2: Expanding Local Authority in Education

Amendment 2 addresses the authority of communities to establish independent school systems, specifically enabling the St. George Community School System to move forward by granting it the same authority as parish school systems and other municipal school systems.

The amendment reflects the principle that decisions about education are best made closest to the families they affect. By expanding local control, it gives communities more direct responsibility over how schools are governed.

It also introduces greater opportunity for choice and competition within public education—factors that can encourage innovation and improve outcomes over time. Of note: to be implemented, the amendment must garner a majority of support BOTH statewide AND in East Baton Rouge Parish.

Recommendation: Support

Constitutional Amendment 3: Pay Off Debt, Make Teacher Pay Raise Permanent

Amendment 3 would dissolve certain dedicated education funds and utilize the freed resources toward reducing debt in the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL).

Paying down debt will reduce retirement costs for local school systems and achieve savings that will be used by local school boards for permanent pay increases: $2,250 for teachers and $1,125 for support staff. It would shift teacher support away from temporary state stipends and toward long-term change where teacher pay raise decisions belong, at the local level.

This amendment is a win-win-win: using one-time funds to pay off debt, reward hard-working teachers, and generate long-term fiscal benefits.

Recommendation: Support

Constitutional Amendment 4: Removing Barriers to Investment and Growth

Amendment 4 would allow parishes to reduce or eliminate property taxes on business inventory, which is one of the most punishing remaining taxes on Louisiana’s books.

Louisiana’s inventory tax is an outlier that discourages investment, particularly in industries that rely on large inventories, and hurts workers. By giving local governments the option to remove this tax, the amendment improves competitiveness while preserving local control. It will also provide opportunities for parishes to compete with each other for the most tax-friendly locations in the state.

Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all solution, it allows each parish to determine what works best for its economy.

Recommendation: Support

Constitutional Amendment 5: Judicial Retirement Age

Amendment 5 would increase the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75.

 A vote to extend the retirement age could allow voters the opportunity to retain experienced judges. At the same time, existing age limits have long been on the books, ensure regular turnover, and provide opportunities for both structural reforms and to inaugurate new members of the judiciary.

Recommendation: No Position

The Takeaway

Constitutional amendments are, by design, long-term decisions. They shape not only current policy but the framework within which future decisions are made. Louisiana voters have the opportunity to support reforms that promote accountability, flexibility, and growth this spring. A thoughtful vote on each amendment will help shape a stronger Louisiana.

Additional voting resources may be found at  geauxvote.com.