The Louisiana State Legislature adjourned its 2024 legislative session on June 3. During the session, the state legislature referred one constitutional amendment to the Nov. 5 ballot and four amendments to the Dec. 7 ballot. A total of 42 proposed changes were considered by lawmakers this session.

November 5:

In November, voters will decide on a constitutional amendment that would require federal revenue received from alternative and renewable energy production in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) to be deposited in the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund. Currently, the fund receives federal revenues received by the state from OCS oil and gas production. The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) of 1953 defined the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) as all submerged lands lying seaward of state coastal waters (3 miles offshore) under U.S. jurisdiction. Funds are dedicated to hurricane protection projects and coastal conservation and restoration.

December 7:

Two amendments would change state legislative processes surrounding appropriations bills. One amendment would prohibit the consideration of a conference committee report or senate amendments on an appropriations bill until 48 hours after the bill and a summary of the proposed changes is distributed to all legislators. The other amendment would allow the state legislature to extend its regular session by two-day increments, up to a maximum of six days, in order to pass a bill appropriating money.

Another amendment would increase the membership of the Judiciary Commission to include members appointed by the speaker of the House, the president of the Senate, and the governor. It would also add “malfeasance while in office” to the list of actions for which the state supreme court could pursue disciplinary action against a sitting judge. The amendment would further provide for the commission’s responsibilities in investigations and disciplinary recommendations.

Voters will also decide on an amendment that would remove certain provisions in the state constitution related to the administration of property tax sales and instead authorize the state legislature to provide for property tax sales in state law. Under the amendment, tax payment postponements could only be granted during emergencies declared by the governor under the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act. It would also allow the state legislature to give tax collectors the authority to waive penalties for good cause, as well as make other changes to property tax sale processes.

A total of 112 constitutional amendments appeared on the statewide ballot in Louisiana during even-numbered years from 2000 through 2022. Of the 112 amendments, 77 (68.75%) were approved and 35 (31.25%) were defeated. During even-numbered years, in Louisiana, an average of nine constitutional amendments appeared on the ballot.

The current state constitution was adopted in 1974. From 1978 through 2023, 316 proposed amendments were on the ballot, and 216 (68.35%) were adopted by voters.