Louisiana House of Representatives

Louisiana House of Representatives
source
Name	Louisiana House of Representatives
Legislature	Louisiana State Legislature
House type	Lower house
Body	Louisiana State Legislature
Term limits	3 terms (12 years)
New session	March 11, 2024
Leader1 type	Speaker
Leader1	Phillip DeVillier
Election1	January 8, 2024
Leader2 type	Speaker pro tempore
Leader2	Michael T. Johnson
Election2	January 8, 2024
Members	105
Political groups1	Majority (73), Republican (73), Minority (32), Democratic (32)
Last election1	October 14 & November 18, 2023
Meeting place	House Chamber, Louisiana State Capitol, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Website	house.louisiana.gov

Louisiana House of Representatives. It is the lower chamber of the Louisiana State Legislature, the state's bicameral legislative body. Composed of 105 members elected from single-member districts, the House convenes at the historic Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Alongside the Louisiana Senate, it holds the primary constitutional authority to enact state law, levy taxes, and approve the annual budget.

History

The House traces its origins to the colonial Legislative Assembly of Louisiana established under French and Spanish rule. Following the Louisiana Purchase and the territory's admission to the Union, the first state legislature convened in 1812 under the Constitution of 1812. The body's history is marked by the political turbulence of the American Civil War, Reconstruction era, and the implementation of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, which remains the foundational governing document. Significant historical figures who served in the chamber include Huey Long, who later became Governor of Louisiana and a U.S. Senator.

Membership

Membership is fixed at 105 representatives, each serving four-year terms concurrent with the governor's term. Since the 2023 Louisiana House of Representatives election, the Republican Party holds a supermajority. Members must be at least 18 years old, a qualified elector, and a resident of their district for at least two years prior to election. Notable current members include Speaker Phillip DeVillier and former Speaker Clay Schexnayder.

Leadership

The presiding officer is the Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives, elected by the full membership; the current speaker is Phillip DeVillier. Other key officers include the Speaker pro tempore, currently Michael T. Johnson, and the Majority Leader and Minority Leader. The speaker appoints committee chairs and members, wielding significant influence over the legislative agenda, a power notably exercised by figures like John Alario.

Committees

The House operates through a system of standing, select, and joint committees where most legislative work is conducted. Major standing committees include the powerful Appropriations, Ways and Means, and Civil Law and Procedure committees. Key fiscal and policy reviews are performed by the House Committee on Health and Welfare and the House Committee on Education. Committee chairs, appointed by the speaker, hold considerable authority over bill advancement.

Powers and duties

The House shares legislative powers with the Louisiana Senate, including the exclusive power to originate revenue bills. It holds the authority to adopt the annual state operating budget, impeach state officials, and confirm certain gubernatorial appointments. The House must also concur with the Senate on all legislation before it can be sent to the Governor of Louisiana for signature or veto, as outlined in the Louisiana Constitution.

Elections and districts

Representatives are elected from 105 single-member districts delineated every decade following the United States Census. The most recent redistricting was completed in 2022 based on the 2020 United States Census. Elections are held in the year preceding the gubernatorial election, using a unique open primary system where all candidates appear on one ballot; if no candidate receives a majority, a runoff is held between the top two. The Louisiana Secretary of State oversees these elections.

Category:Government of Louisiana Category:State lower houses in the United States