Louisiana's May 16 Election: Five Key Constitutional Amendments to Consider 📜

Louisiana voters will consider five proposed amendments to the state constitution during the May 16 election. The election was rescheduled from April 18 under Act 1 of the 2025 First Extraordinary Session. Full legal texts are published in this edition; below is a summary of each proposal.

Proposed Amendment No. 1 - State Civil Service

This amendment would allow the Louisiana Legislature to add additional positions to the unclassified civil service through law. Currently, those positions are defined in the constitution and are not subject to the same protections as classified employees. If approved, lawmakers would have more flexibility to determine which positions fall outside civil service protections. Supporters say it allows easier management of state jobs, while opponents warn it could weaken job stability.

Proposed Amendment No. 2 - St. George Community School System

This proposal would give the St. George community school system in East Baton Rouge Parish the same constitutional authority as parish school systems. That includes access to state education funding, participation in the Minimum Foundation Program and the ability to generate local revenue. It also includes language stating that no state funds may be used in a way that discriminates against students. If passed, St. George would operate on equal footing with other parish systems.

Proposed Amendment No. 3 - Education Trust Funds and Teacher Pay Raises

This amendment would redirect money from three existing education trust funds into the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana to help reduce long-term debt. Savings generated from that reduction would then be used to fund permanent salary increases for teachers and school staff. The proposal also includes adjustments to the Minimum Foundation Program to account for the raises. If approved, it would restructure how certain education funds are used.

Proposed Amendment No. 4 - Business Inventory and Ad Valorem Taxes

This amendment would allow local governments to reduce or eliminate property taxes on business inventory, but only if approved by the sheriff, school board and parish governing authority. Parishes choosing to fully exempt inventory taxes could receive a one-time payment from the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund. The proposal gives local officials more control over tax decisions related to businesses. Supporters say it could encourage economic growth, while others question its impact on local funding.

Proposed Amendment No. 5 - Judicial Retirement Age

This amendment would increase the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75. Judges who reach the age limit while in office would still be allowed to complete their current terms. Supporters argue it allows experienced judges to remain on the bench longer. If approved, the change would update long-standing limits in the state constitution.