Louisiana voters approve 7 of 10 constitutional amendments, reshaping governance and taxes

Louisiana’s constitution now carries a lifetime limit on who can serve as governor, a ban on post-conviction bail for those convicted of aggravated crimes against children, and new property tax provisions for veterans’ families, seniors and homeowners, after voters approved seven of ten proposed amendments on Nov. 3.

The results reshape state governance and taxation, with the successful measures passing by margins ranging from 57 percent to 76 percent, while three proposals dealing with local tax authority, retirement debt and rehabilitated properties were rejected.

Louisiana voters to see 10 constitutional amendments on Nov. 3 ballot

Governor Term Limits and Bail Restrictions Take Effect

Amendment 4, approved by about 57 percent of voters, establishes that anyone elected governor may serve no more than two four-year terms in a lifetime, replacing the previous rule that allowed additional terms after sitting out one term. John Bel Edwards and Bobby Jindal from seeking a third term. Amendment 3, which passed with roughly 70 percent support, removes post-conviction bail for defendants found guilty of aggravated crimes against minor children who are awaiting sentencing or appealing their convictions.

Property Tax Changes for Veterans, Seniors and Homeowners

Voters approved four amendments affecting property taxes. Amendment 1 passed 75-25 percent, allowing surviving spouses of disabled veterans to transfer the service-related tax exemption one time to a new primary address; the Legislative Fiscal Office reported 229 such spouses claimed the exemption in 2025. Amendment 6, with about 65 percent support, lets parishes and municipalities offer additional tax relief to residents as they age from 65 to 81. Amendment 9 passed with 59 percent, raising the income ceiling for assessment freezes from below $100,000 to below $150,000 for seniors, disabled veterans and surviving spouses of service members killed in action. Amendment 7, supported by 64 percent, permits public funds to be spent on replacing lead-contaminated water lines on private property.

Voters express confusion over 10 constitutional amendments on ballot in Louisiana

Foreign Property Seizures Blocked, Other Votes Rejected

Amendment 8 passed by a 63-37 percent margin, barring expropriation of private property by countries designated as foreign adversaries, a list that includes China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela, though no evidence exists that any such country has attempted seizures in Louisiana. Three amendments failed: Amendment 2, rejected by 57 percent, would have allowed local authorities to maintain lower millage rates without forfeiting the right to raise them later; Amendment 5, defeated by more than 60 percent, would have allowed non-recurring funds to pay any retirement debt; and Amendment 10, which failed 53-47 percent, would have authorized tax breaks for rehabilitated properties.