Pelican Institute's external affairs manager Ryan Roberts is praising a bill that seeks a constitutional convention to address issues impairing economic growth in Louisiana.
“The need to address a number of key policy areas that require constitutional change has become apparent, including such matters as the state's tax structure and budgetary practices that hamper the state's economic growth and competitiveness as well as the quality of life of Louisiana residents,” says House Bill 259, filed by House Speaker Pro Tempore Tanner Magee (R-Houma).
The proposed constitutional convention set to begin Aug. 1 would also address dedicating state revenues to health care and higher education.
“It's great to see that legislators are continuing the conversation around bold constitutional reform,” Roberts told the Louisiana Record. “Constitutional reform in Louisiana can provide a pathway to a state government that fosters liberty, economic growth and positive policy reform.”
Since 1974, the state constitution has been amended some 203 times, according to the proposal.
The constitutional convention called for in HB 259 would have 120 delegates appointed no later than Friday, July 15.
The bill calls for the convention to complete a draft of the proposed constitution by July 1, 2023. The proposed constitution would be voted on during the gubernatorial primary election on Oct. 14, 2023, and if voters approve, the constitution would be effective at midnight on Dec. 31, 2023.
Louisiana House Rep. Mark Wright (R-Covington) filed a similar constitutional convention bill, House Bill 405, which would establish the Planning and Drafting Committee that would develop and propose a plan for conducting the constitutional convention.