(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for legislative term limits (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Impact
If enacted, this amendment would significantly change the landscape of Louisiana's political environment by enforcing longer breaks between terms. Proponents argue that this change would lead to a more diverse and dynamic legislative body, providing opportunities for new candidates and reducing the domination of long-term incumbents. The amendment would not alter the length of terms, which remain four years, but rather the eligibility for immediate reelection, thereby potentially reshaping the strategies of political campaigns and governance in the state.
Summary
House Bill 528 is a proposed constitutional amendment that seeks to amend Article III, Section 4(E) of the Constitution of Louisiana regarding legislative term limits. Specifically, it proposes to prohibit any state legislator who has served more than two and a half terms consecutively from qualifying for reelection to the same office for a period of ten years after the end of their third consecutive term. This shift from the current law, which allows legislators to run again immediately after their term, aims to enhance political turnover and inject fresh perspectives into the state legislature.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB528 has been mixed. Supporters view it as a positive step towards political reform that can enhance accountability and citizen engagement in governance. They argue that entrenched politicians can lead to stagnation and reduced responsiveness to the public’s needs. Conversely, opponents express concern that such restrictions could limit the voters’ choice, arguing that while term limits can prevent corruption, they could also exclude experienced legislators who are effectively serving their communities, thereby potentially weakening the legislative process.
Contention
Notable points of contention in the discussions surrounding HB528 include the debate on the balance between fresh ideas in governance and the value of experience. Critics argue that a ten-year waiting period is excessive and may hinder the continuity of governance, especially in the face of longstanding issues that require seasoned leadership. Additionally, there are concerns about the impact of this amendment on the overall structure of political power within Louisiana and how it might alter the dynamics of party control and legislative effectiveness if accomplished.
(Constitutional Amendment) Limits the amount of State General Fund (Direct) revenues that may be appropriated in a fiscal year for recurring expenses and restricts use of such revenues above that limit (EG SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Provides for a special statewide election on April 18, 2026, for submitting proposed constitutional amendments to the state's electors (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Limits eligibility of solar facilities from participating in the ad valorem tax exemption program known commonly as ITEP (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.