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)]
HB 189 Reengrossed 2015 Regular Session Ritchie
Abstract: Changes the years "general" legislative sessions are to convene from even-numbered
years to odd-numbered years and the years the "restricted, fiscal" legislative sessions are to
convene from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years.
Present constitution provides that in even-numbered years the regular session of the legislature
convenes at noon on the second Monday in March, in which the legislature shall meet for not more
than 60 legislative days during a period of 85 calendar days. Present constitution prohibits the
introduction or enactment of any measure levying or authorizing a new tax or increasing an existing
tax by the state or by any statewide political subdivision, or legislating with regard to tax
exemptions, exclusions, deductions, or credits during a regular session convening in an even-
numbered year. Proposed constitutional amendment changes the convening of this "general" regular
legislative session to odd-numbered years and otherwise retains present constitution.
Present constitution provides that in odd-numbered years the legislature shall convene at noon on
the second Monday in April, in which the legislature shall meet for not more than 45 legislative days
during a period of 60 calendar days. Present constitution provides that during any session convening
in an odd-numbered year, no matter shall be introduced or considered unless its object is to enact the
General Appropriation Bill or the comprehensive capital budget, to 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. Provides exceptions to this subject
matter limitation, including allowing members to prefile up to five "general" matters and local and
special bills which are required to be advertised. Proposed constitutional amendment changes the
convening of this "restricted, fiscal" regular legislative session to even-numbered years and otherwise
retains present constitution.
Provides for submission of the proposed amendment to the voters at the statewide election to be held
October 24, 2015.
(Amends Article III, ยง2(A)(3) and (4))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure to the
original bill: 1. Make technical amendments to the ballot language.