Understanding Louisiana’s 10 Constitutional Amendments
Laurie White Adams, director of government affairs at the Pelican Institute, joined Mornings With Brian Haldane to discuss Louisiana’s 10 proposed constitutional amendments. The conversation focused on the complexity of the state constitution and the first three amendments on the ballot.
White Adams noted that Louisiana adopted its current constitution in 1974 and has amended it roughly 200 times. She said the Pelican Institute supports holding a constitutional convention, arguing that many provisions currently included in the constitution could instead become state law.
Amendment 1 Addresses Property Tax Exemptions
The first amendment would allow the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran to transfer an additional homestead property tax exemption one time when moving to another home.
White Adams explained that the Pelican Institute does not support expanding property tax exemptions because the organization favors a tax system it describes as low, simple, fair and broad-based. She said additional exemptions can shift the tax burden to other property owners and add complexity to the tax code.
Amendment 2 Focuses on Property Tax Millages
The second amendment deals with property tax millage rates and voter-approved maximums. White Adams explained how local governments currently face restrictions when they roll back millages after property values increase.
She said the proposed change would give local taxing authorities more flexibility to adjust revenue based on current needs while retaining the ability to increase millages later when circumstances require additional funding.
Amendment 3 Addresses Post-Conviction Bail
The third amendment would prohibit post-conviction bail for people convicted of certain offenses involving minors. White Adams said the Pelican Institute took no position on the proposal because it believes the policy belongs in state statute rather than the constitution.
White Adams and Haldane agreed to continue discussing the remaining amendments in a future broadcast.