LEGISLATIVE FISCAL OFFICE
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note On: HB 800 HLS 24RS 895
Bill Text Version: RE-REENGROSSED
Opp. Chamb. Action:
Proposed Amd.:
Sub. Bill For.:
Date: May 8, 2024 5:12 PM Author: BEAULLIEU
Dept./Agy.: Legislature
Subject: Constitutional convention Analyst: Tanesha Morgan
CONSTITUTION/CONVENTION RR INCREASE GF EX See Note Page 1 of 1
Provides for calling a limited constitutional convention
Proposed law provides for a constitutional convention to draft a new state constitution. The convention would convene no
earlier than May 30, 2024, with 171 delegates consisting of 105 House members, 39 Senators, and 27 appointees selected
by the governor. Delegates and staff are subject to ethics laws, public records laws, and the criminal code, with any
vacancies filled by appointment. The convention has authority to frame a new constitution, subject to certain limitations.
Proposed law provides that an executive committee shall handle the convention's organization, staff, budget, and
committees, with the legislature providing funding and the convention being subject to review by the legislative auditor.
Proposed law prohibits a delegate from accepting any compensation for work performed as a delegate to the convention.
Proposed law requires the convention, upon completion of its work to submit to the governor the proposed constitution by
August 15, 2024.
EXPENDITURES 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 5 -YEAR TOTAL
State Gen. Fd. INCREASE INCREASE $0 $0 $0 $0
Agy. Self-Gen. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Ded./Other $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Federal Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Local Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Annual Total $0 $0 $0 $0
REVENUES 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 5 -YEAR TOTAL
State Gen. Fd. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Agy. Self-Gen. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Ded./Other $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Federal Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Local Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Annual Total $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
EXPENDITURE EXPLANATION
The proposed legislation will result in a significant increase in SGF expenditures, primarily per diem and staffing costs. The
cost relative to the expenses of convening a constitutional convention cannot be accurately estimated due to variables such
as the number of meeting days, the costs for supplies, materials, equipment, printing, security, compensation for the staff,
and all other necessary expenses incurred in connection with the convention and its work. SGF costs are discussed below.
Delegates will receive per diem and travel expenses. The current legislative per diem rate is $166 and the cost of related
benefits (7.65% FICA tax) is approximately $13 for a daily cost of approximately $179 or $25,776 ($179 X 144 members)
per day.
No. of Per Daily No. of Total
Delegates x Diem = Costs x Days = Costs
May 30 – June 2*
Other delegates 3 x $179 = $4,833 x 3 = $14,499
June 3 – August 15
Legislators 144 x $179 = $25,776 x 73 = $1,881,648
Other delegates 27 x $179 = $4,833 x 73 = $352,809
Maximum diem costs $2,248,956
*The legislature is anticipated to be in session during this period, so there is no additional per diem costs for legislators.
The Legislative Auditor has indicated the cost of providing an audit of the financial books and records of the constitution
convention is estimated to be $20,000 to $30,000; however, the actual cost depends on the scope of the audit.
The Secretary of State budgets for statewide primary elections as regular practice and any costs associated with the Nov.
5th election will be absorbed within the agency’s budget.
REVENUE EXPLANATION
There is no anticipated direct material effect on governmental revenues as a result of this measure.
Senate Dual Referral Rules House
x 13.5.1 >= $100,000 Annual Fiscal Cost {S & H} x 6.8(F)(1) >= $100,000 SGF Fiscal Cost {H & S}
13.5.2 >= $500,000 Annual Tax or Fee Patrice Thomas
6.8(G) >= $500,000 Tax or Fee Increase
Change {S & H} or a Net Fee Decrease {S} Deputy Fiscal Officer