Louisiana voters will decide on four proposed changes to the state constitution in the Nov. 18 runoff election. A new report by the Louisiana Budget Project explains and analyzes each amendment so voters can make their own decisions when they head to the polls.
The first two proposals will have no practical significance for anyone in Louisiana, as they clarify the rules and timing for overriding a gubernatorial veto and eliminate six funds in the state constitution that are not in use. The third amendment would authorize local authorities to create a new tax break for police and other first responders, while the final proposal is designed to make it harder for the Legislature to tap a new state savings account.
Louisiana’s constitution has been amended more than 200 times since its adoption in 1974. While some of those amendments sought to address important issues, others dealt with much more trivial matters that don’t belong in the state’s charter. Gov.-elect Jeff Landry has made “constitutional reform” a focus of his transition team, but has provided few details.