House Bill No. HLS 24RS-895 proposes the establishment of a limited constitutional convention in Louisiana, scheduled to convene no earlier than May 30, 2024, with a mandate to draft a new state constitution by August 15, 2024. The convention will comprise 171 delegates, including members from the House of Representatives, the Senate, and gubernatorial appointees. The bill outlines the organization of the convention, including the election of officers and the formation of committees, and emphasizes adherence to the state's code of ethics, prohibiting delegates from accepting outside compensation for their work while allowing them to retain their regular employment pay.
The convention's primary focus will be to evaluate the current constitution, determining which provisions should remain, which should transition to statutory law, and updating any outdated language. Financial management is also addressed, with appropriated funds designated solely for necessary expenses related to the convention's activities, while ensuring that the convention is subject to audit by the legislative auditor. Upon completion, the proposed constitution will be submitted to the governor and then to voters during the congressional primary election on November 5, 2024. If ratified, the new constitution will take effect at midnight on December 31, 2024, unless specified otherwise, and the bill includes severability provisions to maintain the validity of remaining sections if any part is found invalid.