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.
Louisiana voters will decide ten constitutional amendments on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
A constitutional amendment permanently changes Louisiana’s Constitution, the highest law of the state. These decisions impact our schools, taxes, courts, and communities.
This guide breaks down each amendment in plain language so you can make an informed decision.
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.
Do you support an amendment to allow the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran with a service-connected disability, who receives the additional property tax exemption, to make a one-time transfer of the additional property tax exemption to a subsequent qualifying property? (Effective January 1, 2027) (Amends Article VII, Section 21(K)(1))
What a YES Vote Means
- A surviving spouse of a disabled veteran can transfer an existing additional property tax exemption to one new qualifying home after moving.
What a NO Vote Means
- The additional tax exemption stays with the original property and cannot be transferred to a new home.
Who is Affected?
- Surviving spouses of disabled veterans
- Local governments
Potential Impact
Eligible surviving spouses would have greater flexibility to move without losing their property tax benefit. Local governments may collect slightly less property tax revenue from qualifying properties.
Do you support an amendment to allow a local taxing authority to continue to levy a lower millage rate without losing its ability to adjust to the maximum authorized millage rate from a prior year’s reassessment? (Effective January 1, 2027) (Amends Article VII, Section 23(C))
What a YES Vote Means
- Local governments can temporarily lower property tax rates and later restore them to their previously authorized maximum without voter approval.
What a NO Vote Means
- Current law remains. A government that lowers its millage may lose some ability to return to the previous maximum rate.
Who is Affected?
- Homeowners
- Businesses
- Local governments
- Taxpayers
Potential Impact
Gives local governments more flexibility in managing tax rates. Supporters say it allows temporary tax relief without permanently reducing future revenue options. Critics say it could make future property tax increases easier.
Do you support an amendment to prohibit a defendant from being released on any post-conviction bail if the defendant is convicted of an aggravated offense against a minor child? (Adds Article I, Section 18(C))
What a YES Vote Means
- A person convicted of certain aggravated crimes against a minor cannot be released on bail while appealing the conviction.
What a NO Vote Means
- Judges continue to follow existing laws when deciding whether someone may be released on bail after conviction.
Who is Affected?
- Defendents
- Crime Victims
- Courts
- Law enforcement
Potential Impact
People convicted of these offenses would remain in custody during the appeals process. Supporters say this increases public safety. Critics may argue it limits judicial discretion before appeals are complete.
Do you support an amendment to prohibit a person who has served more than one and one-half terms as governor from being elected as governor for any future term? (Amends Article IV, Section 3(B))
What a YES Vote Means
- Anyone who has served more than one and one-half terms as governor could never run for governor again.
What a NO Vote Means
- Current constitutional term-limit rules stay in place–two terms consecutively, but can serve an unlimited amount of terms as long as they are not consectutive.
Who is Affected?
- Future Governors
- Voters
Potential Impact
Creates a lifetime limit for governors who exceed one and one-half terms, increasing leadership turnover while limiting future voter choices.
Do you support an amendment to authorize a state retirement system to apply any nonrecurring state monies it receives to any of its unfunded accrued liability rather than requiring application to its oldest unfunded accrued liability? (AmendsArticle VII, Section 10(D)(2)(b)(iii))
What a YES Vote Means
- State retirement systems can decide which unfunded pension debt to pay first when receiving extra one-time state money.
What a NO Vote Means
- Retirement systems must continue paying their oldest debt first.
Who is Affected?
- State retirement systems
- Retirees
- Taxpayers
Potential Impact
Gives retirement systems more flexibility in managing pension debt. Supporters say it allows smarter financial planning; critics may prefer keeping the current repayment rules.
Do you support an amendment to authorize parishes and municipalities to extend an additional property tax exemption for property subject to the homestead exemption that is owned and occupied by a person who is at least sixty-five years of age and who qualifies for the special assessment level? (Effective January 1, 2028) (Adds Article VII, Section 21(P))
What a YES Vote Means
- Local governments may choose to offer an additional property tax exemption to qualifying homeowners age 65 and older.
What a NO Vote Means
- Local governments cannot offer this new exemption.
Who is Affected?
- Senior homeowners
- Local governments
- Taxpayers
Potential Impact
Eligible seniors could pay less in property taxes if their parish or municipality adopts the exemption. Local governments choosing to offer it may collect less tax revenue.
Do you support an amendment to allow for the use of public funds by a political subdivision for the purpose of identifying, inventorying, removing or replacing drinking water utility service lines made of or affected by materials as specified or prescribed by the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, promulgated October 30, 2024, or subsequent promulgation, on property owned by utility customers? (Amends Article VII, Section 14)
What a YES Vote Means
- Public funds can be used to identify, remove, and replace hazardous drinking water service lines—even on private property.
What a NO Vote Means
- Public funds can continue to be used on public water infrastructure,but cannot be used to remove or replace hazardous service lines on private property.
Who is Affected?
- Homeowners
- Renters
- Water Utilities
- Local governments
Potential Impact
Could speed up the replacement of lead and other hazardous water pipes, improving drinking water safety. May require additional public spending for infrastructure improvements.
Do you support an amendment to prohibit expropriation of property by a foreign adversary or an agent of a foreign adversary? (Amends Article I, Section 4(B)(4))
What a YES Vote Means
- A company owned, controlled, or directed by a foreign adversary, (even partially, or without majority ownership)could not use Louisiana’s private expropriation laws to force the sale of someone’s property.
What a NO Vote Means
- No new constitutional prohibition would be added.
Who is Affected?
- Property owners
- Government entities
Potential Impact
Adds a constitutional restriction related to property rights and foreign adversaries. Because expropriation by foreign adversaries is uncommon, the practical impact may be limited unless such situations arise.
Do you support an amendment to increase the maximum amount of income a person may receive and still qualify for the special assessment level for residential property receiving the homestead exemption? (Effective January 1, 2027) (Amends Article VII, Section 18(G)(1)(a)(ii))
What a YES Vote Means
- Raises the income limit from $100,000 to $150,000 for seniors to qualify for Louisiana’s special assessment level, which keeps property taxes from increasing because of higher property values.
What a NO Vote Means
- The current income limit stays at $100,000.
Who is Affected?
- Senior homeowners
- Local governments
Potential Impact
More older homeowners may qualify for property tax protection, making it easier to remain in their homes as property values rise. Local governments could collect less property tax revenue from eligible properties.
Do you support an amendment to allow property tax exemptions for blighted or derelict properties that have been rehabilitated, and to require the legislature to enact laws providing for administration of these exemptions? (Effective January 1, 2027) (Adds Article VII, Section 21(P))
What a YES Vote Means
- Creates an optional property tax exemption for rehabilitated blighted or derelict property, with the Legislature required to define eligible property, set the exemption’s length, and establish rules for local governments to administer it.
What a NO Vote Means
- The Legislature would not be constitutionally required to do this.
Who is Affected?
- Property owners
- Developers
- Neighborhoods
- Local governments
Potential Impact
May encourage investment in abandoned or deteriorating properties, helping revitalize neighborhoods. Local governments could receive less property tax revenue from qualifying properties during the exemption period.
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).