The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Jay R. Lueckel.
DIGEST
SB 51 Engrossed 2015 Regular Session Crowe
Present constitution authorizes the legislature to establish a procedure to determine a projected
deficit and a method for adjusting appropriations to eliminate the deficit.
Present constitution authorizes the governor, with legislative approval, to reduce up to 5% of
appropriations or allocations from the state general fund and dedicated funds in any fiscal year in
which a deficit is projected and reductions of at least seven-tenths of 1% in appropriations from the
state general fund have already occurred. Further provides that such reductions to the Minimum
Foundation Program (MFP) shall be limited to 1% and shall not be applicable to instructional
activities.
Proposed constitutional amendment retains present constitution and authorizes the reduction in
appropriations or allocations from the state general fund and dedicated funds when there is a
decrease in the receipt of federal revenues associated with the support of state assistance programs.
Present constitution authorizes the legislature for the purposes of the enactment of the budget for the
next fiscal year to reduce the monies appropriated or allocated for mandatory expenditures or
allocations by up to 5%, making those funds available for other, nonmandatory expenditures if the
official revenue forecast for the next year is at least 1% less than for the current year.
Proposed constitutional amendment retains present constitution and authorizes the reduction of
monies appropriated or allocated for mandatory expenditures or allocations, making those funds
available for other, nonmandatory expenditures when there is a decrease in the receipt of federal
revenues associated with the support of state assistance programs.
Present constitution provides that these provisions shall not be applicable to, nor affect (1) the Bond
Security and Redemption Fund or any bonds secured thereby, or any other funds pledged as security
for bonds or evidences of indebtedness; (2) the severance tax and royalty allocations to parishes as
provided in Art. VII, Sec. 4(D) and (E); (3) state retirement contributions; (4) the Louisiana
Education Quality Trust Fund; (5) the Millennium Trust, except for appropriations from the trust;
(6) any money not required to be deposited into the state treasury as provided in Art. VII, Sec. 9; and
(7) the Medicaid Trust Fund for the Elderly created under the provisions of R.S. 46:2691, et seq.
Proposed constitutional amendment retains present constitution.
Specifies submission of the amendment to the voters at the statewide election to be held on October
24, 2015.
(Amends Const. Art. VII, Sec. 10(F)(2)(a) and (b))