Provides for statewide districts for the Louisiana Supreme Court. (Items #3, 4, and 13)(2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (EG SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)
Impact
If approved by voters, the amendment is set to take effect on January 1, 2025, affecting all future elections for the office of Supreme Court justice. This shift from district-based elections to statewide elections is seen as a move towards enhancing voter participation and potentially increasing the diversity of judicial representation on the Supreme Court. However, it raises questions about the effective representation of local concerns, particularly in regions that may feel overlooked by justices primarily elected through statewide appeal rather than district-specific contests.
Summary
Senate Bill 5 proposes a significant amendment to the Louisiana Constitution concerning the structure of the state's Supreme Court. Currently, the Supreme Court is composed of seven justices elected from at least six districts. SB5 aims to remove this minimum district requirement, allowing for a statewide election of justices, thus enabling all voters in Louisiana to participate in electing members of the Supreme Court from a broader pool. It requires only that at least one justice resides in each district, while maintaining the existing stipulation that any changes to districts or the number of justices must be enacted by a two-thirds vote of the legislature.
Sentiment
Overall sentiment around SB5 appears to be mixed. Proponents advocate for a more democratic approach to judicial elections, arguing that statewide voting will foster a more representative and accountable judiciary. Conversely, opponents are concerned that the focus on statewide elections may dilute local representation and that justices elected by a broader electorate may not adequately address the unique legal issues and perspectives of specific districts.
Contention
Key points of contention in discussions surrounding SB5 include worries about erosion of local representation in the judiciary and potential judicial bias towards issues that resonate on a statewide level rather than those pertinent to local communities. Additionally, the process for altering the structure of the Supreme Court requires substantial legislative support, emphasizing the importance of this amendment not only for its immediate implications but also for the long-term governance of the judicial system in Louisiana.
Constitutional amendment to provide for statewide districts and election of the chief justice for the Louisiana Supreme Court. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Constitutional amendment to increase the non-lawyer membership of and provide for the selection judiciary commission members and to require investigations be conducted by directive of the supreme court. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (EN +$7,115 GF EX See Note)
Constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature, by law, to establish additional courts enacted by a two-thirds vote. (2/3 - CA12s1(A)) (EG1 SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
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)