On March 29, statewide Louisiana voters will have the opportunity to vote on four proposed amendments to the Louisiana Constitution. 

The four amendment themes include changes in courts, taxes, the juvenile criminal justice system, and elections for judges. There has been controversy about implementing these amendments. Many citizens have taken to social media platforms like TikTok and X to voice their opposition, with some calling these amendments an overreach of legislative power. Beyond social media, many Louisianians have expressed concerns that these amendments could have long-term consequences for the state’s judicial system.  Here is the breakdown of each proposed amendment that will be on the ballot and what we believe they could mean for Louisiana residents:

Amendment 1

This amendment would give the Louisiana Supreme Court jurisdiction over out-of-state lawyers who engage in unethical practices in Louisiana. The court could take disciplinary action against lawyers who are not admitted to practice law in the state but are found still offering legal services. It would give the Louisiana legislature the authority to establish trial courts with limited or

specialized jurisdiction. This means that courts would be authorized to hear only specific types of cases by a two-thirds majority vote. These courts could be anything from oil and gas courts to immigration courts. It would also clarify district courts’ exclusive jurisdiction over felony cases and cases involving immovable property, such as land or buildings, except for family court cases with related topics.

We recommend a vote AGAINST Amendment no. 1

Amendment 2

This amendment proposes to reduce the maximum rate of income tax in the state, increase income tax deductions for citizens over the age of 65, and limit the government’s growth by controlling how much and how fast money is being spent over time. The amendment would modify the flow of revenues into the state general funds, eliminating some protected funds and redirecting funds from others. For example, it would eliminate protected funds and use monies in those funds to make payments to the Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana for liquidation of retirement debt. Although this amendment would cut the tax rate to 3.75%, it would also dissolve vital educational trusts, limit new tax exemptions, and remove many property tax exemptions that are currently protected by the Constitution. This could affect groups like non-profit organizations, religious organizations, homeless housing, etc.

We recommend a vote AGAINST Amendment no. 2

Amendment 3

This amendment would grant the legislature the authority to decide which felony crimes committed by those under 17 can be transferred to adult criminal prosecution. Currently, minors are only charged as adults if the crime they are being charged for certain crimes listed in Consitution (e.g. murder, rape, robbery, etc.). The amendment seeks to remove the list from the Consitution and leave it up to state law, where it can be easily changed or expanded by lawmakers.

We recommend a vote AGAINST Amendment no. 3

Amendment 4

This amendment would allow judicial vacancies to be filled using the earliest available election day. This allows a special election to fill judicial vacancies or new judgeships on the next available election date unless the vacancy occurs in the last 12 months of the term. This can affect the voting as it would limit the time available for voters to learn about the candidates running for these positions, which may hinder their ability to make informed choices. If a special election is held quickly, there may be a risk that voters aren’t adequately informed about the candidates. It could also make it more difficult for election notifications and campaign efforts to reach residents in time for them to engage fully in the voting process.

We recommend a vote AGAINST Amendment no. 4

Early voting is from March 15 to March 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The official voting day is March 29, 2025.