DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Richard HB No. 112
Abstract: Repeals provisions that allow each legislator during regular sessions convened in
odd-numbered years to introduce up to five prefiled bills that do not fit within the subject
matter limitations for such sessions; reduces from 60 to 50 the maximum number of
calendar days for such sessions; and expressly allows for the consideration of the
minimum foundation program formula at such sessions.
Present constitution (Art. III, §2) provides for regular sessions of the legislature. Provides time
limitations and procedures for filing bills.
Present constitution provides that regular sessions convening in even-numbered years are general
in nature. Prohibits the introduction or enactment of any measure levying or authorizing a new
tax by the state or by any statewide political subdivision whose boundaries are coterminous with
the state; increasing an existing tax by the state or by any statewide political subdivision whose
boundaries are coterminous with the state; or legislating with regard to tax exemptions,
exclusions, deductions, or credits during a regular session held in an even-numbered year.
Proposed constitutional amendment retains present constitution.
Present constitution provides that during a regular session convening in an odd-numbered year,
no matter intended to have the effect of law, including any suspension of law, shall be introduced
or considered unless its object is to enact the General Appropriation Bill; enact the
comprehensive capital budget; make an appropriation; levy or authorize a new tax; increase an
existing tax; levy, authorize, increase, decrease, or repeal a fee; dedicate revenue; legislate with
regard to tax exemptions, exclusions, deductions, reductions, repeals, or credits; or legislate with
regard to the issuance of bonds. However, provides that a matter not within these subject matter
restrictions may be considered if its object is to enact a local or special law which is required to
be and has been advertised in accordance with present constitution and which is not prohibited by
the provisions of present constitution concerning prohibited local and special laws.
Proposed constitutional amendment retains present constitution.
Present constitution provides additionally that a matter not within the above subject matter
restrictions may be considered if it is prefiled. Provides that no member may prefile more than
five such matters.
Proposed constitutional amendment repeals present constitution. Provides further that the subject matter restrictions provided in proposed constitutional amendment shall not be construed
to prevent the legislature from considering approval of the minimum foundation program
formula pursuant to present constitution.
Present constitution provides that during a regular session convening in an odd-numbered year,
the legislature shall meet for not more than 45 legislative days in a period of 60 calendar days.
Proposed constitutional amendment provides that the calendar day maximum for a regular
session convening in an odd-numbered year is 50 calendar days instead of 60 calendar days.
Proposed constitutional amendment otherwise retains present constitution.
Present constitution provides that during a regular session convening in an odd-numbered year,
no matter intended to have the effect of law, except a measure proposing a suspension of law,
shall be considered on third reading and final passage in either house after six o'clock in the
evening of the 42nd legislative day or 57th calendar day, whichever occurs first, except by a
favorable record vote of 2/3rds of the elected members of each house.
Proposed constitutional amendment provides that the calendar day deadline for third reading and
final passage is the 47th calendar day instead of the 57th calendar day. Proposed constitutional
amendment otherwise retains present constitution.
Provides for submission of the proposed amendment to the voters at the statewide election to be
held Nov. 4, 2014.
(Amends Const. Art. III, §2(A)(4))