On March 29, after ample time to recover from Mardi Gras season, Louisianans will have the opportunity to vote on four proposed state constitutional amendments. Mark your calendars—early voting will take place March 15 through March 22, excluding March 16. Early voting and election day polling locations, as well as the sample ballot, can be found at the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website or by using the Geaux Vote app. Additional information regarding each amendment may be found at Ballotpedia.

Here’s an overview of the amendments and our recommendations.

Constitutional Amendment No. 1

This amendment would grant the Louisiana Supreme Court exclusive original jurisdiction—the right to hear a case first—over disciplinary actions against out-of-state lawyers who offer legal services in Louisiana and engage in unethical conduct. Spurring this change were the accusations that a Houston law firm engaged in predatory practices while handling lawsuits against insurance companies following Hurricanes Laura and Delta in 2020. Currently, the Constitution only explicitly gives the Court original jurisdiction over members of the state bar, of which all Louisiana attorneys must join.

The amendment would also empower the Louisiana Legislature to create specialty courts without jurisdictional limits tied to particular parishes or judicial districts, subject to a two-thirds approval vote. Specialty courts have exclusive original jurisdiction over cases that fall within their designated area of law. Many specialty courts, such as family preservation courts, re-entry courts, and juvenile courts, are already being utilized in some parishes. These courts have garnered bipartisan support for their efficiency—streamlining case administration and ensuring that cases are heard by judges with relevant expertise. Amendment 1 would allow lawmakers more latitude in establishing specialty courts that can serve a broader population, wherever they are needed in the state.

This amendment benefits the state by fostering a better, fairer justice system. It would hold all lawyers that offer legal services in our state accountable to our laws and allow for the creation of specialty courts that can cross parish boundaries in service to Louisianans.

The Pelican Institute recommends a YES vote on Amendment 1.

Last fall’s special legislative session made great strides for our state’s economic competitiveness through bold fiscal reforms. Income tax rates were cut and flattened for individuals and businesses, the investment-disincentivizing corporate franchise tax was repealed, and the sales tax base was broadened in a more equitable manner.

Amendment 2 seeks voter approval in continuing much of this momentum. This amendment is lengthy—but significant—simplifying Louisiana’s bloated, complex Constitution and creating measures to provide tax relief to Louisianans and increase state government efficiency.

  • The amendment moves certain constitutional provisions to statute, a more appropriate placement in line with most states, giving the Legislature greater flexibility to adjust and prioritize in the future as needs evolve.
  • Currently, a two-thirds vote by the Legislature is required to levy a new tax, increase an existing tax, or repeal an existing tax. The amendment would expand this requirement to also include approval for the enactment of tax exemptions, exclusions, deductions, credits, rebates, or increases to existing tax deductions or credits.
  • Amendment 2 reduces the constitutional maximum individual income tax rate from 4.25% to 3.75%, granting much needed relief to the people of Louisiana.
  • Amendment 2 doubles the senior citizen tax deduction. Individuals aged 65 and over would be entitled to an additional standard income tax deduction equal to the standard deduction for a single filer (currently $12,500).
  • With the passage of Amendment 2, the Legislature could enact laws that provide for property tax exemptions with a three-fourths vote of approval. Any future changes would require a two-thirds vote. During even-numbered years, the Legislature would be prohibited from introducing legislation related to tax exemptions, exclusions, deductions, or credits during regular sessions.
  • Existing property tax exemptions for nonprofits enumerated in the state constitution would be removed with the amendment. Only property owned by nonprofits and used for exclusively religious purposes would remain exempt from property tax.
  • Veterans with disabilities and surviving spouses would receive an additional property tax exemption in addition to the homestead exemption which applies to the first $7,500 of the assessed valuation of property.
  • Local governments will gain the ability to amend their existing laws related to sales and use taxes to align with applicable state law and to levy taxes on motor fuel. The amendment would also remove limits on how much certain severance taxes can be transferred to local governments. These changes help to empower local governments with the financial means to address issues specific to their communities without creating an overreliance on state funds.
  • A key feature of Amendment 2 is the establishment of a Government Growth Limit. This limit would apply to appropriations of recurring revenue from the state’s general fund, with the Revenue Estimating Conference deciding the annual limit. If the calculated Government Growth Limit exceeds the expenditure limit, the Government Growth Limit would be adjusted to match the expenditure limit. Recurring revenue beyond the Government Growth Limit but below the expenditure limit could only be used for non-recurring expenses. Any changes to the Government Growth Limit would require the approval of two-thirds of the Legislature.
  • Amendment 2 raises the maximum balance of the Budget Stabilization Fund from 4% to 7.5% of total state revenue receipts from the previous fiscal year. Louisiana’s Budget Stabilization Fund, or “Rainy Day” Fund, is where excess revenue is deposited to be used in years of budget deficits on critical priorities.
  • Amendment 2 makes permanent a teacher and school support worker pay raise. It proposes eliminating three dedicated funds, the Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund, Quality Education Support Fund, and Education Excellence Fund, and transferring each’s liquidated fair market value to the Teacher’s Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL). TRSL would apply the transferred funds to its oldest debts. Any remaining balance would be spread out into equal yearly payments. Using the money saved from these measures, schools and other entities that participate in TRSL would be required to give permanent salary increases to eligible school employees, such as teachers and support personnel.

The Pelican Institute recommends a YES vote on Amendment 2.

Constitutional Amendment No. 3

Amendment 3 removes the list of 16 crimes in the Louisiana Constitution for which juveniles—defined in Louisiana as children between 10 and 17 years of age—can be tried as adults with the approval of two-thirds of the Legislature. This list ensured that juveniles who committed crimes not enumerated would be tried in juvenile court. Instead, the amendment grants the Legislature the ability to decide, through state law, which crimes committed by juveniles could result in their being tried and punished as adults.

This change would only impact teenagers aged 14 to 16, as 17-year-olds are already considered adults under state law. The current state statute contains the same list of 16 crimes for which juveniles can be tried as adults, meaning that the passage of this amendment would not create any immediate changes—the Legislature would still need a supermajority vote to adjust the law.

Constitutional Amendment No. 4

Amendment 4 would require judicial vacancies to be filled through a special election held on the first available date, shortening the timeframe between opening and occupation. If a gubernatorial or congressional election were to occur within twelve months of the vacancy, the special election would be held on the same date. As it stands, judicial vacancies are filled by calling a special election within twelve months of the vacancy occurring.

This amendment responds to Louisiana’s transition from open primaries to closed party primary elections for certain offices in 2026, including vacancies on the Louisiana Supreme Court. In closed primaries, candidates from the same party compete against each other to become the party’s nominee in the general election. Runoff primary elections will occur if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote. Given the potential for additional elections to determine the winner of a Supreme Court vacancy, calling for a special election on the first available date, or on the same date as a gubernatorial or congressional election, would help prevent delays and additional administrative costs in filling judicial offices.

This provision encourages government efficiency and is well-suited in the Constitution to serve as a broad framework for future elections.

The Pelican Institute recommends a YES vote on Amendment 4.