(The Center Square) — Louisiana voters will weigh in on four constitutional amendments this Saturday, each with significant implications for how the state handles justice, juvenile crime, taxes and judicial elections.
Amendment 1: Expanded Court Powers and Specialty Courts
This measure would expand the Louisiana Supreme Court’s authority to discipline out-of-state attorneys working in the state — an issue that gained prominence after a Houston law firm filed mass hurricane lawsuits, some without plaintiffs’ knowledge.
It would also allow the Legislature to create specialized trial courts that operate beyond parish or district lines, potentially paving the way for courts focused on business disputes or behavioral health.
Supporters say it’s a modernization effort that could improve access to justice in rural areas. Opponents argue it’s too vague and could lead to an unnecessary expansion of the judiciary.
A lawsuit from the group Voice of the Experienced challenged how this and another amendment were added to the ballot. The lawsuit was heard in court on Tuesday.
Amendment 2: Sweeping Fiscal Overhaul
This proposal would rewrite Article VII of the state constitution, Louisiana’s primary fiscal blueprint. Crucial to Gov. Jeff Landry’s broader tax reforms, it spans more than 100 pages and would cap state spending growth, consolidate budget reserves, and give lawmakers more control over state trust funds.
It would also redirect nearly $2 billion from education savings accounts to pay down teacher retirement debt — unlocking permanent raises of up to $2,000 for teachers and $1,000 for school staff. Business inventory taxes would be phased out, with parishes receiving one-time payments in return.
Supporters tout the amendment as a way to simplify a complex tax system. Critics say it’s too broad and risks unintended consequences. A lawsuit challenging the ballot language and scope was dismissed by the Louisiana Supreme Court last week.
Amendment 3: Adult Prosecution for Juveniles
This amendment would remove a long-standing list in the constitution that limits which crimes committed by minors can lead to adult prosecution. If passed, lawmakers could expand that list through regular legislation instead of needing another constitutional amendment.
Sen. Heather Cloud, R-Turkey Creek, who authored the amendment, says the current law is too rigid.
When Cloud brought her bill to the Senate Judiciary Committee in November, she pointed to crimes like carjacking, sex trafficking, and driveby shootings as examples of offenses she believes should be added to the list.
Cloud said the proposal builds on an earlier effort by Sen. Katrina Jackson-Andrews, D-Monroe, whose attempt to make similar changes last year fell short because it required a constitutional amendment. Cloud said her measure aims to offer the flexibility that previous legislation couldn’t achieve.
During a recent hearing, Kristen Rome, executive director of the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights, pushed back on claims that new crimes need to be added to the constitution to prosecute juveniles as adults. She argued that offenses like carjacking, drive-by shootings, and sex trafficking are already covered under existing law.
“Many of these crimes that were brought up — drive-by shootings, carjacking — are all covered by the enumerated crimes currently listed and can be transferred,” Rome said.
She explained that carjackings involving weapons or injury can already be charged as armed robbery, while drive-by shootings can fall under attempted murder.
Sex trafficking cases, she added, are often tied to existing charges like kidnapping or rape, which are already part of the constitutionally approved list. Rome also raised concerns about the lack of data showing gaps in the current law.
Rev. Alexis Anderson, representing the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison Reform Coalition, echoed those concerns, pointing to the broader implications of the state’s shift away from juvenile protections.
Anderson warned the amendment could strain already limited resources. “Expanding the list will strain resources further — and could deepen the cycle of incarceration without improving public safety.”
Amendment 4: Judicial Election Timing Fix
This measure would adjust how quickly the state must hold special elections for judicial vacancies, syncing them with regular election cycles now that Louisiana is moving to a closed-party primary system starting in 2026.
Currently, the constitution requires such elections to be held within 12 months, but the new primary structure could make that unworkable, especially for state Supreme Court races.
Amendment 4 would allow the governor to wait until the next scheduled statewide or congressional election. Temporary judges would still be appointed in the meantime but remain barred from running for the seat.
Supporters say it’s a technical fix that will improve efficiency and turnout. Critics argue it’s a narrow issue that could be addressed through regular legislation instead of a constitutional change. Notably, it’s the only amendment on the ballot that hasn’t faced a legal challenge.
