Louisiana 2024 Regular Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SB182

Introduced
2/29/24  
Introduced
2/29/24  
Refer
2/29/24  
Refer
2/29/24  
Refer
3/11/24  

Caption

Constitutional amendment to authorize the attorney general to institute, prosecute, or intervene in any criminal action or proceeding concerning a felony election offense. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

Impact

If passed, this amendment would significantly alter the scope of the Attorney General's powers concerning election law enforcement in Louisiana. The proposed expansion would enable the Attorney General to take a more active role in prosecution, potentially leading to more rigorous enforcement against election-related crimes. The intent behind this legislative push is to ensure that election offenses are addressed promptly to maintain public confidence in the electoral system. Furthermore, by placing this measure on the ballot for public vote, the legislature seeks to engage voters directly in matters of state constitutional law.

Summary

Senate Bill 182 is a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at expanding the powers of the Attorney General of Louisiana. The bill seeks to grant the Attorney General the authority to institute, prosecute, or intervene in any criminal action related to felony election offenses under the Louisiana Election Code. This change is aimed at enhancing the enforcement capabilities regarding election offenses, thereby strengthening the integrity of the electoral process in the state. As the chief legal officer of Louisiana, the Attorney General currently has limited powers related to criminal prosecution, which this amendment aims to augment.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB182 appears to be mixed. Proponents argue that the expanded authority would safeguard electoral integrity and deter potential election fraud, fostering a more transparent and trustworthy voting environment. Conversely, opponents may express concerns about the possible overreach of power, fearing that such authority could lead to politically motivated prosecutions or misuse of power in the electoral process. This sentiment reflects broader discussions about the balance between state authority and the protection of individual rights within the electoral framework.

Contention

One notable point of contention revolves around the implications of altering the Attorney General's responsibilities and the potential consequences for local election oversight. Critics of the amendment may argue that the centralized power could undermine local election officials' authority and discretion in addressing election issues. Moreover, there are concerns regarding the timing of the amendment, with discussions focusing on its alignment with upcoming elections. Thus, while the intention is to bolster election integrity, the method and implications of expanding the Attorney General's role present a complex debate.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA SB48

Constitutional amendment to eliminate a judge's discretion to grant bail for certain offenses after conviction. (2/3 - CA8s1) (EG SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)

LA SB2

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)

LA SB127

Constitutional amendment to authorize the local governing authority of each parish to provide a limited ad valorem tax exemption for qualified first responders. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (EN DECREASE LF RV See Note)

LA HB451

(Constitutional Amendment) Limits the amount of monies that may be appropriated in a fiscal year (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

LA HB414

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to various sources of state and local revenue (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF RV)

LA SB63

Constitutional Amendment to provide that the right of freedom of worship in churches or other places of worship is a fundamental right that is worthy of the highest order of protection. (2/3-CA13s1(A))

LA SB126

Constitutional amendment to provide that all 10-Year Industrial Exemption contracts renewed after 12/31/2023 shall be renewed only on condition that the exemption shall not apply to taxes levied for purposes related to elementary and secondary education. (2/3-CA13s1(A)) (OR INCREASE LF RV See Note)

LA SB86

Constitutional amendment to provide that all 10-Year Industrial Exemption contracts entered into after 12/31/23 shall be entered into only on condition that the exemption shall not apply to taxes levied for purposes related to elementary and secondary education. (2/3-CA13s1(A)) (OR INCREASE LF RV See Note)

LA HB54

Provides relative to the discretion of the district attorney to prosecute a juvenile as an adult for certain offenses

LA HB311

(Constitutional Amendment) Prohibits the use of monies from a foreign government or nongovernmental source to fund elections

Similar Bills

WV HB2784

Relating to duty to prosecute

IN SB0165

Noncompliant prosecutor.

IN SB0148

Prosecuting attorneys.

IN HB1371

Additional prosecuting attorneys.

IN HB1215

Miami County deputy prosecuting attorney.

IN SB0284

Prosecuting attorneys.

IN HB1217

Prosecuting attorneys.

TX HB200

Relating to the reestablishment of the Prosecuting Attorneys Coordinating Council.