Louisiana lawmakers concluded their 2024 legislative session with the passage of several conservative policies that could significantly impact the state. The session marked the first under Republican Governor Jeff Landry, who succeeded Democrat John Bel Edwards. With a GOP supermajority in the Legislature, lawmakers were able to advance conservative priorities, including anti-LGBTQ+ bills, migrant enforcement measures, and a requirement to display the Ten Commandments in public classrooms. Additionally, a law was enacted that classifies two abortion-inducing drugs as controlled dangerous substances.
A $48 billion budget was approved during the session, which included a $2,000 stipend for teachers and funding for criminal justice needs. However, lawmakers also made cuts to early childhood education programs, leading to concerns that approximately 800 infants and toddlers could lose access to daycare. Bipartisan measures were passed to address Louisiana’s property insurance crisis, as residents struggle with rising rates. Despite efforts by Governor Landry to push for a constitutional convention to revise the state’s constitution, the proposal failed to gain enough support.
Opponents of the constitutional convention expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and the potential for hasty changes to the document. Governor Landry had called for the convention to address what he described as a “bloated, outdated, antiquated, and much abused” constitution. With more than 200 amendments added since 1974, the need for reform was apparent. However, the bill for a constitutional convention ultimately did not pass. Governor Landry deemed the regular session a success, citing the special sessions called to address high crime rates and redraw the congressional map to include a second majority-Black district as significant achievements.
The 2024 legislative session in Louisiana was characterized by the passage of numerous conservative policies under the leadership of Governor Jeff Landry. With a Republican supermajority in the Legislature, lawmakers were able to advance various priorities, including measures related to LGBTQ+ rights, migrant enforcement, and the display of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms. The session also saw the approval of a $48 billion budget, which included funding for teacher stipends and criminal justice needs, but also cuts to early childhood education programs.
Despite efforts to call for a constitutional convention to revise the state’s constitution, the proposal did not receive enough support. Opponents of the convention raised concerns about the lack of transparency and the potential for rushed changes to the document. Governor Landry had highlighted the need for reform due to the constitution’s bloated nature and numerous amendments since 1974. However, the bill for a constitutional convention failed to pass. The session was deemed a success by Governor Landry, who also called for special sessions to address high crime rates and redraw the congressional map to include a second majority-Black district.
Overall, the 2024 legislative session in Louisiana showcased the influence of conservative leadership under Governor Jeff Landry and the GOP-controlled Legislature. While several policies were passed, including those on social issues and budget allocations, the failure to enact a constitutional convention highlighted divisions among lawmakers. Governor Landry’s push for reform and transparency in revising the state constitution faced challenges, but the session was still seen as a significant step in shaping the future of Louisiana. With ongoing debates on various issues, the legislative session set the tone for the state’s political landscape in the years to come.
