(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the time at which certain officials are elected (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Impact
The intended impact of HB251 is significant as it alters the current schedule for state elections, which are traditionally held concurrently with presidential elections. By moving these elections, the bill not only modifies the timing but also extends the terms of current officials, ensuring that those elected in the 2024 elections would serve until 2031. This could lead to a consolidation of electoral activities, reducing costs associated with separate election cycles and making it easier for voters to participate in elections for multiple offices at once.
Summary
House Bill 251 proposes a constitutional amendment in Louisiana regarding the timing of elections for several state officials, including state legislators, the governor, and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) members. Under this bill, elections for these officials would shift to be held during regular congressional elections in years without a presidential election. This change aims to streamline the electoral process and potentially increase voter turnout during these elections, aligning state elections more closely with federal congressional elections.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB251 appears to be cautiously optimistic from supporters who believe that the switch to align with congressional elections will enhance voter engagement and simplify the electoral process. However, there is also notable concern regarding potential impacts on local governance and representation, as some critics fear that this change may dilute the importance of statewide elections by merging them with federal election cycles, potentially leading to lower overall voter engagement in state issues.
Contention
A point of contention relates to the extension of terms for currently elected officials, which some critics argue could be seen as an attempt to protect incumbents by limiting opportunities for new candidates to enter the political arena. Additionally, the exception for Orleans Parish, which allows it to operate under a different election schedule, has raised questions about fairness and equality in representation, prompting discussions on whether all areas of the state should be governed by the same electoral rules. This proposal thus highlights the delicate balance between efficiency in elections and the democratic principle of ensuring regular opportunities for accountability.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to severance tax revenues remitted to parishes in which the associated severance occurs (RE -$46,900,000 GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the disposition of funds derived from alternative energy production in the coastal area (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF RV See Note)
Constitutional amendment to phase out the tax on inventory and establish the maximum allowable exemption for the industrial property tax exemption program. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (EG SEE FISC NOTE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Requires the legislature to appropriate no less than twenty-five percent of nonrecurring state revenues for application to certain state retirement system unfunded accrued liability (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Relative to vacancies in the office of governor, provides for filling of such vacancies and vacancies created by gubernatorial succession to the office of governor (OR NO IMPACT See Note)
Provides relative to procedures for registration and voting for persons in the U.S. Service and persons residing outside of the U.S. (EN NO IMPACT See Note)