Louisiana House Bill HB13

Louisiana 2022 1st Special Session

• Introduced: 2/4/22
• Refer: 2/6/22

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides that the supreme court shall be composed of nine justices (Item #6) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

Impact

If passed, the bill would alter the structure of the Louisiana Supreme Court, potentially affecting case rulings and judicial efficiency. By increasing the number of justices and districts, supporters argue that it will enhance representation across the state, allowing for a broader range of perspectives in court decisions. This change is viewed as a way to address population growth and demographic shift in various regions of Louisiana, thereby ensuring that justices better reflect the state's diversity.

Summary

House Bill 13, introduced by Representative Wilford Carter during the 2022 First Extraordinary Session, proposes a significant amendment to the Constitution of Louisiana regarding the composition of the state's Supreme Court. The bill seeks to increase the number of associate justices from six to eight and establish nine districts instead of the current six. One of the key changes also includes raising the requirement for the concurrence of justices needed to render a judgment from four to five justices. The proposed amendment is set to be presented to the electors during a statewide election on November 8, 2022.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 13 appears to be generally supportive among lawmakers who advocate for increased judicial representation and efficiency. Proponents believe that expanding the court's membership will lead to more balanced decision-making and address concerns about minority representation. Conversely, some critics express concerns regarding the potential for increased bureaucratic complexity and the costs associated with a larger court, arguing that such changes may not necessarily lead to improved judicial outcomes.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the practicality of implementing the proposed changes, as opponents question whether additional justices would significantly impact the court's function. Debates also center around the wisdom of restructuring a judicial body that has traditionally operated with fewer justices and whether the increase in districts would genuinely enhance judicial accessibility or simply complicate the electoral process for justices. Ultimately, the proposed amendment raises fundamental questions about the balance of power, representation, and judicial effectiveness in Louisiana.