Louisiana Constitution ARTICLE III. LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
Louisiana Constitution – Article III: Legislative Branch outlines the structure, powers, and operations of the Louisiana State Legislature. Here's a summary of its key provisions:
1. Composition of the Legislature (Section 1)
The legislative power is vested in a bicameral legislature:
House of Representatives
Senate
Members are elected from single-member districts.
2. Terms and Qualifications (Sections 2–4)
Representatives and Senators serve four-year terms.
Must be at least:
18 years old
A Louisiana resident for two years
A resident of the district for one year before the election.
Term limits: No more than three consecutive four-year terms.
3. Legislative Sessions (Sections 6–8)
The Legislature meets annually:
Odd-numbered years: Fiscal sessions (limited to tax/budget matters).
Even-numbered years: Regular sessions.
Special sessions may be called by the Governor or by legislative leaders under specific conditions.
4. Powers and Duties (Section 1 & others)
Enacts laws on all state matters, except those exclusively assigned elsewhere.
Controls state finances, taxation, and appropriations.
May override a governor’s veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.
5. Legislative Procedure (Sections 10–14)
Bills must pass both houses and be signed by the governor (or overridden).
Every bill must be read three times, and votes must be recorded.
Conference committees reconcile differences in House and Senate versions of a bill.
6. Legislative Officers and Staff (Sections 6–9)
Each house elects its own presiding officer:
House: Speaker of the House
Senate: President of the Senate
Each house has power to set its own rules and discipline members.
7. Impeachment (Section 25)
The House of Representatives may impeach state officials.
The Senate conducts the impeachment trial.
Conviction requires a two-thirds vote.
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