Louisiana voters will have more than candidates to consider when they head to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Ten proposed amendments to the Louisiana Constitution will appear on the statewide ballot, covering issues ranging from property taxes and retirement funding to criminal justice and gubernatorial term limits.
Constitutional amendments require voter approval before becoming part of the state’s constitution. A vote FOR supports adopting an amendment, while a vote AGAINST supports keeping the existing constitutional provisions unchanged.
Several of the proposals could affect homeowners, veterans, retirees and local governments. Here is a closer look at what each amendment would mean for Louisiana residents.
Amendment 1: Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
This proposal would allow the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran with a service-connected disability to transfer an existing additional property tax exemption to another qualifying home one time.
Currently, surviving spouses may retain certain exemptions while continuing to own and occupy the original home. Approval would provide greater flexibility if they need to relocate.
A YES vote would permit the one-time transfer. A NO vote would keep the existing restrictions.
Amendment 2: Local Property Tax Millage Rates
Local governments sometimes collect property taxes at rates below the maximum authorized amount.
This amendment would allow local taxing authorities to maintain a lower millage rate without losing the ability to return to a previously authorized maximum rate, subject to required procedures.
Supporters may see the amendment as a way to give local governments more flexibility. Opponents may be concerned about the possibility of future property tax increases without another public vote.
A YES vote would provide that flexibility. A NO vote would maintain the current rules.
Amendment 3: Bail After Conviction for Crimes Against Children
This amendment would prohibit post-conviction bail for defendants convicted of certain aggravated offenses involving minor victims.
Post-conviction bail concerns whether someone may be released while appealing a conviction. It is different from bail before trial.
A YES vote would prohibit bail after conviction for the specified offenses. A NO vote would keep the current law on post-conviction bail in place.
Amendment 4: Lifetime Term Limits for Governor
Louisiana currently limits governors to two consecutive terms but allows them to run again after sitting out a term.
This amendment would establish a lifetime limit, so that someone who has served more than one and one-half terms cannot be elected governor again.
A YES vote would establish the lifetime restriction. A NO vote would preserve the current consecutive-term limit.
Amendment 5: State Retirement System Debt Payments
Louisiana’s public retirement systems have long-term financial obligations, including unfunded liabilities.
Under current constitutional requirements, the state must apply certain one-time funds directed toward retirement debt to the oldest unfunded liabilities first.
This amendment would allow retirement systems to apply those funds to other unfunded liabilities instead.
A YES vote would give retirement systems more flexibility in deciding which debts to pay. A NO vote would retain the requirement to pay the oldest liabilities first.
Amendment 6: Additional Property Tax Exemption for Seniors
This amendment would allow parishes and municipalities to offer an additional property tax exemption to homeowners age 65 and older who qualify for Louisiana’s special assessment level, commonly known as the property tax assessment freeze.
The exemption would increase based on age, beginning at $6,000 in additional assessed value for homeowners ages 65–68 and reaching $30,000 for those age 81 and older.
The exemption would not automatically take effect statewide. Local voters would first have to approve it in their parish or municipality. If approved, the amendment would become effective January 1, 2028.
A YES vote would allow local governments to offer the additional exemption with voter approval. A NO vote would leave existing property tax exemptions unchanged.
Amendment 7: Public Funding for Drinking Water Lines
This amendment would allow local governments and other political subdivisions to use public funds to identify, remove or replace certain drinking water service lines located on private property.
The measure primarily concerns lines made from or affected by materials covered by federal rules for drinking water safety, including lead-related requirements.
A YES vote would authorize the use of public funds for qualifying work on privately owned service lines. A NO vote would retain existing constitutional restrictions.
Amendment 8: Property Expropriation by Foreign Adversaries
Expropriation is the legal process through which an authorized entity may acquire private property for a public purpose, subject to legal requirements and compensation.
This amendment would prohibit foreign adversaries and their agents from exercising that authority in Louisiana.
A YES vote would establish the constitutional prohibition. A NO vote would retain existing property expropriation rules.
Amendment 9: Income Limit for Senior Property Tax Assessment Freeze
Louisiana allows qualifying homeowners age 65 and older, along with certain other eligible homeowners, to freeze the assessed value of their primary residence for property tax purposes.
This amendment would increase the income limit used to qualify for the special assessment level from a $100,000 base amount to $150,000, with annual adjustments for inflation. Eligibility is based on adjusted gross income reported on federal income tax returns.
The change could allow more homeowners to qualify for the assessment freeze. It would not eliminate property taxes but would help protect eligible homeowners from increases in their property’s assessed value.
If approved, the amendment would take effect January 1, 2027.
A YES vote would increase the income threshold for eligibility. A NO vote would maintain the current income-limit structure.
Amendment 10: Property Tax Exemptions for Rehabilitated Properties
This proposal would authorize property tax exemptions for certain blighted or abandoned properties that have been rehabilitated.
The Legislature would be required to establish rules governing eligibility, administration and the duration of exemptions.
Supporters may view the measure as an incentive to restore neglected properties and improve neighborhoods. Opponents may be concerned about reduced property tax collections or how exemptions would be administered.
A YES vote would authorize the creation of these exemptions. A NO vote would leave existing provisions for property tax exemptions unchanged.
Voters Encouraged to Review Amendments Before Election Day
The 10 amendments address a wide range of issues that could affect Louisiana residents, including homeowners, veterans, retirees, local governments and public services.
Some would make changes directly to the state constitution, while others would authorize additional action by the Legislature or local voters before their full effects could be realized.
Voters will decide each amendment separately. Approval requires a majority of votes cast on that amendment statewide.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Early voting is scheduled for October 20–27, excluding Sunday, October 25.
Residents can review official ballot language, sample ballots and additional election information through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.la.gov.
Editor’s Note: The Red River Parish Journal provides this information to help voters better understand the proposed constitutional amendments on the November 3 ballot. This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not represent an endorsement of or opposition to any amendment. Voters are encouraged to review the official ballot language before casting their votes.
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