Just Say NO! Explaining the Constitutional Amendments
Since the dawn of civilization, people have looked to their political officials and asked; What, exactly, is it that you do?
While this guide might not answer every one of your questions about what, exactly, your elected officials are responsible for, it will (we hope) give you some clarity on the various offices that are supposed to represent your interests at the state and local level, and the responsibilities that are supposed to go with those offices.
On the March 29, 2025 Municipal Election Ballot you can anticipate voting on four constitutional amendments. In addition to knowing about the candidates you support and why, we want to help ensure you feel confident to vote all down the ballot. Make your voice heard as we head to the polls to decide on what should be changed in our state constitution.
Download the Amendment Booklet
Governor
As the head of the executive branch, the Governor is the highest state office in Louisiana. Elected every four years, and limited to two consecutive terms, the Governor leads the Governor’s office and all departments therein.
Responsibilities
Maybe the most notable part of the Governor’s job is signing legislation into law or vetoing legislation. But the Governor also submits a proposed budget to the legislature (which serves as a statement of principles, i.e., a set of priorities), and he or she can create executive orders that impact state policy.
The Governor also appointments and removes people to and from appointed positions, makes an address at the beginning of regular legislative sessions, serves as Commander in Chief of all the armed forces of the state, and is able to declare states of emergency.
As the head of the executive branch, the Governor is the highest state office in Louisiana. Elected every four years, and limited to two consecutive terms, the Governor leads the Governor’s office and all departments therein.
Responsibilities
Maybe the most notable part of the Governor’s job is signing legislation into law or vetoing legislation. But the Governor also submits a proposed budget to the legislature (which serves as a statement of principles, i.e., a set of priorities), and he or she can create executive orders that impact state policy.
The Governor also appointments and removes people to and from appointed positions, makes an address at the beginning of regular legislative sessions, serves as Commander in Chief of all the armed forces of the state, and is able to declare states of emergency.
Lieutenant Governor
Although the Lieutenant Governor is officially second-in-command of the executive branch, the office doesn’t come with a lot of responsibilities in terms of policy. The office is up for election every four years.
Responsibilities
While serving as the commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, most of the Lieutenant Governor’s work comes in promoting Louisiana to the rest of the country and the world. They also take on other duties as assigned by the Governor, and stand in as Governor in the event of a vacancy or if the current Governor is out of state.
Although the Lieutenant Governor is officially second-in-command of the executive branch, the office doesn’t come with a lot of responsibilities in terms of policy. The office is up for election every four years.
Responsibilities
While serving as the commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, most of the Lieutenant Governor’s work comes in promoting Louisiana to the rest of the country and the world. They also take on other duties as assigned by the Governor, and stand in as Governor in the event of a vacancy or if the current Governor is out of state.
Secretary of State
As the chief election officer of Louisiana, the Secretary of State oversees several administrative and archival duties, including acting as the state’s head election officer, overseer of state archives, manager of business registration in the state, keeper of the great seal of the state of Louisiana and, finally, the overseer of several state museums.
Responsibilities
That’s a lot of responsibilities for one office, but the Secretary of State is probably best known as the head election officer for Louisiana. That means they are responsible for qualifying certain candidates, preparing and certifying ballots for all elections in the state, tabulating, and verifying election results. They are also central to the effort to maintain the integrity and security of Louisiana’s voting system.
The Secretary of State also administers election laws, except for those regarding voter registration and custody of voting machines, and is responsible for the proper and lawful regulation and registration of businesses in Louisiana.
As the chief election officer of Louisiana, the Secretary of State oversees several administrative and archival duties, including acting as the state’s head election officer, overseer of state archives, manager of business registration in the state, keeper of the great seal of the state of Louisiana and, finally, the overseer of several state museums.
Responsibilities
That’s a lot of responsibilities for one office, but the Secretary of State is probably best known as the head election officer for Louisiana. That means they are responsible for qualifying certain candidates, preparing and certifying ballots for all elections in the state, tabulating, and verifying election results. They are also central to the effort to maintain the integrity and security of Louisiana’s voting system.
The Secretary of State also administers election laws, except for those regarding voter registration and custody of voting machines, and is responsible for the proper and lawful regulation and registration of businesses in Louisiana.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment 1
The Louisiana Allow Legislature to Create Trial Courts of Specialized Jurisdiction and Provide Supreme Court Original Jurisdiction to Discipline Out-of-State Lawyers Amendment is on the ballot in Louisiana as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on March 29, 2025
Do you support an amendment granting the Louisiana Supreme Court jurisdiction to discipline out-of-state lawyers for unethical legal practices in the state of Louisiana, and to grant the legislature the authority to establish trial courts of limited and specialized jurisdiction? (Amends Article V, Sections 5(B), 15(A) and 16(A))
What’s the amendment about?
This amendment does two main things:
- Out-of-state lawyers: It gives the Louisiana Supreme Court the power to discipline lawyers who work in Louisiana but aren’t members of the Louisiana state bar. It is already well-established that the Supreme Court can sanction non-local attorneys, however - this language is intended to distract from the real goal, to create special courts (see below).
- Special courts: Grants the state legislature the authority to create new courts that focus on specific types of cases, like business-related disputes. For this to happen, two-thirds of the lawmakers in both the House and Senate must agree.
This amendment isn’t about disciplining out-of-state attorneys. Out-of-state attorneys already get disciplined and disbarred for their actions in Louisiana, ALL THE TIME. So, what aren’t they telling us? This amendment sounds like politicians can punish out-of-state attorneys doing work they don’t agree with under the guise of ethics complaints.
What happens if you vote "YES"?
- There would be no change. The Louisiana Supreme Court already has the power to discipline lawyers working in the state, even if they’re from out of state.
- The state legislature would be allowed to create new courts that handle certain types of cases. This could include special courts for oil and gas, immigration, and abortion cases, among others.
What happens if you vote "NO"?
- The state legislature would not be granted the power to create an entirely new judiciary.
VOTE NO
Proposed Constitutional Amendment 2
The Louisiana State Taxation Policy Amendment is on the ballot in Louisiana as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on March 29, 2025
Do you support an amendment to revise Article VII of the Constitution of Louisiana including revisions to lower the maximum rate of income tax, increase income tax deductions for citizens over sixty-five, provide for a government growth limit, modify operation of certain constitutional funds, provide for property tax exemptions retaining the homestead exemption and exemption for religious organizations, provide a permanent teacher salary increase by requiring a surplus payment to teacher retirement debt, and make other modifications? (Amends Article VII, Sections 1 through 28; Adds Article VII, Sections 29 through 42)
What’s the amendment about?
- It would eliminate several constitutionally protected K-12 education funds, and would not guarantee any additional funding for teacher pay raises as advertised.
- It would remove the constitutional protection for the property tax exemptions currently enjoyed by nonprofit organizations including hospitals, schools, unions, social aid and pleasure clubs, and more, as well as significantly curtail the exemption for religious institutions.
- It would create a spending limit on essential services like education and healthcare. Any state budget surplus would have to be spent on one-time projects instead of ongoing needs.
- It would lower the maximum state income tax rate, meaning that state income taxes could not be raised beyond a certain amount in the future.
- It would eliminate the state’s revenue stabilization fund and shift $1.76 billion into a new fund that helps cover budget shortfalls.
- It would limit local control over sales taxes.
- It would delete a fund supporting infant mortality programs.
- It would change gendered pronouns in the constitution.
- It would potentially increase taxes on take-out food.
- It would remove constitutional authorization for farmers’ and fishermen’s’ programs.
VOTE NO
Proposed Constitutional Amendment 3
The Louisiana Legislative Authority to Determine Crimes for Trying Juveniles as Adults Amendment is on the ballot in Louisiana as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on March 29, 2025
Do you support an amendment to provide the legislature the authority to determine which felony crimes, when committed by a person under the age of seventeen, may be transferred for criminal prosecution as an adult? (Amends Article V, Section 19)
What’s the amendment about?
This amendment is about who decides which crimes are serious enough for kids under 17 (juveniles) to be tried as adults. Right now, the state constitution has a specific list of crimes for this. The amendment would take that list out of the constitution and let lawmakers decide which crimes should qualify through state law instead.
What happens if you vote "YES"?
- The list of crimes in the constitution (like murder or armed robbery) would be removed.
- The Louisiana legislature would have the power to decide which crimes could lead to a juvenile being tried as an adult. This would allow lawmakers to change the rules over time without needing a constitutional amendment.
- This change means that children under the age of 17 could be put in adult prisons at a higher rate.
What happens if you vote "NO"?
- The current list of crimes in the constitution stays the same.
- Only those specific crimes would qualify for juveniles to be tried as adults unless voters approve another constitutional change in the future.
What crimes are currently on the list?
Right now, the constitution lists serious crimes like:
- Murder (first or second degree)
- Manslaughter
- Rape (aggravated, forcible, or simple)
- Armed robbery.
- Kidnapping (aggravated or second degree)
- Multiple serious drug offenses (like selling drugs)
- Repeat offenses for crimes like burglary or aggravated battery
If the amendment passes, the legislature could make changes to this list in the future.
VOTE NO
Proposed Constitutional Amendment 4
The Louisiana Use Earliest Election Dates for Filling Judicial Vacancies Amendment is on the ballot in Louisiana as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on March 29, 2025
Do you support an amendment to provide for the use of the earliest election date to fill judicial vacancies? (Amends Article V, Section 22(B))
What’s the amendment about?
This amendment is a companion to Amendment 1, and determines how judges for the new courts created by the legislature would be elected.
What happens if you vote "YES"?
You’re saying you want to:
- Fill judge vacancies for new courts using the earliest election date allowed by state law, which are often extremely low-turnout elections.
- If a big election (like for governor or Congress) is happening within a year of the vacancy, the special election to fill the judge spot would happen at that time.
What happens if you vote "NO"?
- You’re saying you want to keep the current rule, which gives the state up to 12 months to hold a special election to fill a judge’s spot.
VOTE NO
Attorney General
The Attorney General serves a four-year term, is the chief legal officer of the state, and is the head of the Louisiana Department of Justice.
Responsibilities
The office of the Attorney General manages hundreds of lawyers within the state and provides legal representation to the state. It also enforces state law, ensures that the state itself is following state and federal laws, and is in compliance with federal law, and conducts public education programs.
The Attorney General serves a four-year term, is the chief legal officer of the state, and is the head of the Louisiana Department of Justice.
Responsibilities
The office of the Attorney General manages hundreds of lawyers within the state and provides legal representation to the state. It also enforces state law, ensures that the state itself is following state and federal laws, and is in compliance with federal law, and conducts public education programs.
State Treasurer
The State Treasurer serves as the chief custodian of the state’s Treasury and is the state’s head banker. The Treasurer serves a four-year term.
Responsibilities
The Treasurer receives and deposits state monies, manages investments, and keeps track of budget surpluses and deficits, and must ensure that the state has enough money to pay all of its bills on time.
The Treasurer is also the head of the Treasury Department, which serves as the “central bank” of Louisiana and is where public money for state government is deposited and withdrawn. Additional duties include leading the State Bond Commission and overseeing the Unclaimed Property Division of the Treasury, which is responsible for returning lost money to its rightful owner.
The State Treasurer serves as the chief custodian of the state’s Treasury and is the state’s head banker. The Treasurer serves a four-year term.
Responsibilities
The Treasurer receives and deposits state monies, manages investments, and keeps track of budget surpluses and deficits, and must ensure that the state has enough money to pay all of its bills on time.
The Treasurer is also the head of the Treasury Department, which serves as the “central bank” of Louisiana and is where public money for state government is deposited and withdrawn. Additional duties include leading the State Bond Commission and overseeing the Unclaimed Property Division of the Treasury, which is responsible for returning lost money to its rightful owner.
Commissioner of Insurance
The Commissioner of Insurance is the head of the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI), and is elected every four years. The LDI contains the Office of Consumer Advocacy and the Division of Diversity & Opportunity, and is made up of the following boards and commissions: Louisiana Health Care Commission, Louisiana Property & Casualty Commission, Louisiana Auto Theft & Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority.
Responsibilities
The LDI regulates the insurance industry according to state law, educates consumers, and advocates for consumer protections. It also reports to the state legislature, which can affect the insurance industry and, in turn, consumers. Another important role of this agency is running the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, which helps senior citizens better understand Medicare coverage options and benefits to make more informed decisions.
You can go to the LDI website to lodge consumer complaints, and they publish resources and updates for consumers.
The Commissioner of Insurance is the head of the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI), and is elected every four years. The LDI contains the Office of Consumer Advocacy and the Division of Diversity & Opportunity, and is made up of the following boards and commissions: Louisiana Health Care Commission, Louisiana Property & Casualty Commission, Louisiana Auto Theft & Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority.
Responsibilities
The LDI regulates the insurance industry according to state law, educates consumers, and advocates for consumer protections. It also reports to the state legislature, which can affect the insurance industry and, in turn, consumers. Another important role of this agency is running the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, which helps senior citizens better understand Medicare coverage options and benefits to make more informed decisions.
You can go to the LDI website to lodge consumer complaints, and they publish resources and updates for consumers.
Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry
The Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry leads the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. The Commissioner is elected every four years and is not subject to term limits.
Responsibilities
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for administering the programs and enforcing the regulations that impact every aspect of the state’s agriculture and forestry, including agricultural chemistry programs, horticulture programs, pesticide and environmental programs, conservation, seed programs, animal health, food safety, forestry, and medical marijuana.
These programs are intended to ensure food safety in Louisiana and that the environment remains suitable for continued growth of the state’s economy.
The Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry leads the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. The Commissioner is elected every four years and is not subject to term limits.
Responsibilities
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for administering the programs and enforcing the regulations that impact every aspect of the state’s agriculture and forestry, including agricultural chemistry programs, horticulture programs, pesticide and environmental programs, conservation, seed programs, animal health, food safety, forestry, and medical marijuana.
These programs are intended to ensure food safety in Louisiana and that the environment remains suitable for continued growth of the state’s economy.
BESE--Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
BESE is made up of 11 members, eight are elected from the BESE districts, and the other three are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate. BESE members elect a president, vice president, and secretary-treasurer from its membership.
The members are also divided into four separate committees: Administration and Finance, Educator Effectiveness, Academic Goals and Instructional Improvement, School Innovation and Turnaround. Each committee considers issues within its specific subject area and then makes recommendations to the Board as a whole.
Responsibilities BESE has the responsibility for governing all Louisiana elementary and secondary schools; special schools for the deaf, blind, and physically handicapped; and educational units within the state’s correctional institutions and mental facilities. There are also Task Forces/Commissions and Advisory Councils within BESE.
BESE has the authority to create policies that govern the statewide operations of public and non-public schools, to administer the budget for educational programs and services at those schools, and to conduct administrative hearings to resolve any conflict concerning its policies and actions. Some of the many specifically defined duties assigned to this board by law include approval of certification requirements, policies for assessment and evaluation of teachers, administrators and students, approval of textbooks, and administering the state’s charter school program.
BESE is made up of 11 members, eight are elected from the BESE districts, and the other three are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate. BESE members elect a president, vice president, and secretary-treasurer from its membership.
The members are also divided into four separate committees: Administration and Finance, Educator Effectiveness, Academic Goals and Instructional Improvement, School Innovation and Turnaround. Each committee considers issues within its specific subject area and then makes recommendations to the Board as a whole.
Responsibilities BESE has the responsibility for governing all Louisiana elementary and secondary schools; special schools for the deaf, blind, and physically handicapped; and educational units within the state’s correctional institutions and mental facilities. There are also Task Forces/Commissions and Advisory Councils within BESE.
BESE has the authority to create policies that govern the statewide operations of public and non-public schools, to administer the budget for educational programs and services at those schools, and to conduct administrative hearings to resolve any conflict concerning its policies and actions. Some of the many specifically defined duties assigned to this board by law include approval of certification requirements, policies for assessment and evaluation of teachers, administrators and students, approval of textbooks, and administering the state’s charter school program.
State Senator
Your State Senator is elected by voters in your senate district to represent that district in the state legislature. There are 39 senators in the Louisiana legislature, and each senate district contains an average of approximately 116,000 people. Elections to the Senate occur every four years, and senators are limited three four-year terms (12 years).
Responsibilities The primary duties of a state senator are creating, debating, and voting on legislation that either makes new laws or modifies existing ones. Legislation must be approved by the Senate, as well as the House of Representatives, before being signed into law by the Governor.
The laws either created or modified by the state legislature are an important addition to the laws that must be followed at the local level as well as at the federal level.
Your State Senator is elected by voters in your senate district to represent that district in the state legislature. There are 39 senators in the Louisiana legislature, and each senate district contains an average of approximately 116,000 people. Elections to the Senate occur every four years, and senators are limited three four-year terms (12 years).
Responsibilities The primary duties of a state senator are creating, debating, and voting on legislation that either makes new laws or modifies existing ones. Legislation must be approved by the Senate, as well as the House of Representatives, before being signed into law by the Governor.
The laws either created or modified by the state legislature are an important addition to the laws that must be followed at the local level as well as at the federal level.
State Representative
Your State Representative is elected by voters in your district to represent the district in the state legislature. There are 105 representatives in the Louisiana legislature, each of whom represents approximately 42,500 people. Members serve four-year terms with a term limit of three terms (total 12 years).
Responsibilities
Primary duties of a State Representative are creating, debating, and voting on legislation that either makes new laws or modifies existing ones. Legislation must be approved by the State House of Representatives, as well as the State Senate, before being signed into law by the Governor of the state.
The laws either created or modified by the state legislature are an important addition to the laws that must be followed at the local level as well as at the federal level.
Your State Representative is elected by voters in your district to represent the district in the state legislature. There are 105 representatives in the Louisiana legislature, each of whom represents approximately 42,500 people. Members serve four-year terms with a term limit of three terms (total 12 years).
Responsibilities
Primary duties of a State Representative are creating, debating, and voting on legislation that either makes new laws or modifies existing ones. Legislation must be approved by the State House of Representatives, as well as the State Senate, before being signed into law by the Governor of the state.
The laws either created or modified by the state legislature are an important addition to the laws that must be followed at the local level as well as at the federal level.
Sheriff
The Sheriff’s office in your parish provides law enforcement, detention, court security, and homeland security services within that parish. It also enforces state law within the parish and maintains the parish prison.
The Sheriff has an influential role in providing a fair and responsible police force that citizens can rely on to provide equitable justice regardless of our individual characteristics (such as race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity).
The Sheriff’s office in your parish provides law enforcement, detention, court security, and homeland security services within that parish. It also enforces state law within the parish and maintains the parish prison.
The Sheriff has an influential role in providing a fair and responsible police force that citizens can rely on to provide equitable justice regardless of our individual characteristics (such as race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity).
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