Ballot Language: "Do you support an amendment granting the Louisiana Supreme Court jurisdiction to discipline out-of-state lawyers for unethical legal practices in the state of Louisiana, and to grant the legislature the authority to establish trial courts of limited and specialized jurisdiction?"
Summary: This amendment proposes granting the Louisiana Supreme Court jurisdiction to discipline out-of-state lawyers for unethical practices within the state. It also seeks to empower the legislature to establish trial courts with limited and specialized jurisdictions.
Implications of Voting "Yes":
The Louisiana Supreme Court would have the authority to oversee and discipline out-of-state attorneys practicing within Louisiana.
The state legislature could create specialized trial courts to handle specific types of cases, potentially improving judicial efficiency.
Implications of Voting "No":
The current system would remain unchanged, with the Louisiana Supreme Court lacking direct authority over out-of-state lawyers.
The legislature would not have explicit constitutional authority to establish specialized trial courts.
Ballot Language: "Do you support an amendment to revise Article VII of the Constitution of Louisiana including revisions to lower the maximum rate of income tax, increase income tax deductions for persons over the age of sixty-five, provide a permanent pay raise for schoolteachers, narrow property tax exemptions, and liquidate education trust funds?"
Summary: This comprehensive amendment proposes several fiscal changes, including lowering the maximum state income tax rate, increasing income tax deductions for residents aged 65 and older, providing a permanent pay raise for schoolteachers, narrowing property tax exemptions, and liquidating certain education trust funds.
Implications of Voting "Yes":
Reduction in the maximum state income tax rate, potentially decreasing tax liabilities for individuals and businesses.
Enhanced tax deductions for seniors, potentially reducing their tax burdens.
Permanent salary increases for schoolteachers, aiming to improve education quality and teacher retention.
Modification of property tax exemptions, which could affect property owners' tax obligations.
Dissolution of certain education trust funds, reallocating resources to other areas.
Implications of Voting "No":
The existing tax rates, deductions, and property tax exemptions would remain unchanged.
Schoolteachers would not receive the proposed permanent pay raise through this amendment.
Education trust funds would continue to operate as they currently do.
Ballot Language: "Do you support an amendment to authorize the legislature to define by law the crimes for which juveniles may be tried as adults?"
Summary: This amendment proposes granting the state legislature the authority to determine which specific felony crimes can result in juveniles aged 14 to 16 being tried as adults. Currently, the Louisiana Constitution specifies 15 violent offenses for which juveniles can be prosecuted as adults. This amendment would remove that list, allowing lawmakers to expand or modify the crimes through legislation.
Implications of Voting "Yes":
A "yes" vote on Amendment 3 supports allowing the state legislature to determine in state law which specific felony crimes can result in a juvenile being tried as an adult.
Implications of Voting "No":
A "no" vote opposes this change, thereby retaining the current constitutional provisions.
Ballot Language: "Do you support an amendment to create the Louisiana Infrastructure Investment Fund to provide a dedicated source of funding for state infrastructure projects, including transportation and water systems, to be funded by state revenues and federal grants?"
Summary: This amendment proposes creating a dedicated fund to support infrastructure projects across Louisiana, including roads, bridges, and water systems, financed through state revenues and federal grants.
Implications of Voting "Yes":
Establishment of a specific fund for infrastructure projects, potentially improving the state's transportation and water systems.
Allocation of state and federal resources directly to infrastructure development.
Implications of Voting "No":
Infrastructure projects would continue to be funded through existing mechanisms without a dedicated fund.