Louisiana House Bill HB113

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/16
• Refer: 2/17/16
• Refer: 3/14/16

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Requires legislative approval of a proposed constitutional amendment in two sessions before being submitted to the electors for ratification

Impact

The bill's passage would modify existing provisions in the Louisiana Constitution related to how amendments are adopted. Currently, an amendment can be proposed during a single legislative session and, upon receiving the required two-thirds support, is then submitted directly to voters. HB113 seeks to extend this process to require a second legislative approval in the following year, thereby potentially slowing down the amendment process and ensuring that constitutional changes reflect a wider consensus among elected officials and the populace over time. This could lead to fewer amendments being passed but with greater justification for those that do.

Summary

House Bill 113 proposes a significant change to the process of amending the Constitution of Louisiana by requiring any proposed amendment to receive approval from the legislature in two successive sessions before it can be submitted for voter ratification. This amendment aims to add a layer of scrutiny and deliberation to the amendment process, reinforcing the need for bipartisan support over time prior to allowing the electorate to make a final decision on the matter. Proponents argue that this measure will ensure more stability and thoughtfulness in constitutional amendments, potentially preventing hasty legislative actions from altering the state constitution.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding HB113 appears mixed among legislators and public stakeholders. Supporters believe that the increased diligence required before an amendment reaches the ballot will preserve the integrity of the Constitution and lead to more carefully considered changes. However, critics view this as an unnecessary barrier that may disenfranchise voters by making it more difficult to bring forward much-needed reforms in a timely manner, arguing that it could stifle progressive changes that reflect the current needs and sentiments of Louisiana residents.

Contention

Debate over HB113 centers on the balance between legislative authority and voter rights. While some legislators commend the bill for fostering a more responsible approach to constitutional amendments, others express concerns that such changes could result in a stagnation of necessary reforms, especially those that may be urgent. The contention revolves around the fear that critical amendments addressing contemporary issues may fail to see the light of day due to extended legislative requirements. The discussion thus emphasizes the tension between safeguarding the stability of the constitution and ensuring the voice of the electorate is effectively represented.