Louisiana State Legislature

Louisiana State Legislature
Name	Louisiana State Legislature
Legislature	Louisiana General Assembly
House type	Bicameral
Houses	Louisiana Senate, Louisiana House of Representatives
Leader1 type	President of the Senate
Leader1	Cameron Henry
Election1	January 8, 2024
Leader2 type	Speaker of the House
Leader2	Phillip DeVillier
Election2	January 8, 2024
Members	144, 39 Senators, 105 Representatives
Political groups1	Majority (28), Republican (28), Minority (11), Democratic (11)
Political groups2	Majority (73), Republican (73), Minority (32), Democratic (32)
Last election1	October 14 & November 18, 2023
Next election1	2027
Meeting place	Louisiana State Capitol, Baton Rouge
Website	http://www.legis.la.gov/

Louisiana State Legislature. The legislative branch of the state government, it is a bicameral body composed of the upper house and the lower house. It convenes at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge and is responsible for enacting state laws, approving the budget, and providing oversight of the executive branch. The legislature operates under the framework established by the Constitution of Louisiana.

History

The first legislative assembly in the region, the Superior Council, was established under French rule. Following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the Territory of Orleans formed its initial legislature, leading to statehood in 1812. The current structure was solidified by the Constitution of 1974, which created a streamlined annual session. Key historical sessions have addressed crises like Reconstruction, the Great Depression, and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The political landscape has shifted significantly from the Solid South era dominated by the Democratic Party to modern Republican control.

Structure and powers

The legislature is divided into two chambers: the Louisiana Senate with 39 members and the Louisiana House of Representatives with 105 members. Its constitutional powers include the authority to levy taxes, appropriate funds, confirm gubernatorial appointments to agencies like the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, and propose amendments to the Constitution of Louisiana. It also holds the power to override gubernatorial vetoes with a two-thirds vote in each chamber and has investigative authority through committees.

Membership and elections

Members of both chambers are elected from single-member districts. Elections are held for the Louisiana Senate every four years and for the Louisiana House of Representatives every four years, staggered with statewide elections. Candidates run in open primaries under the Louisiana electoral system. To serve, a member must be a qualified elector, reside in their district for at least one year, and be at least 18 years old for the House or 18 for the Senate. The Louisiana Department of State oversees elections.

Legislative process

A bill may be introduced in either chamber, except revenue bills which must originate in the Louisiana House of Representatives. Legislation is referred to subject-matter committees like the House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure or the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs. After committee review, bills are debated and voted upon by the full chamber. To become law, a bill must pass both chambers in identical form and be signed by the Governor of Louisiana. The legislature meets in annual regular sessions, with limitations on fiscal matters in even-numbered years, and may be convened into special sessions by the governor or by petition.

Current composition and leadership

Following the 2023 Louisiana statewide elections, the Republican Party holds a supermajority in both chambers. The Louisiana Senate is led by President Cameron Henry, with GOP Majority Leader Sharon Hewitt. The Democratic Minority Leader is Gerald Boudreaux. In the Louisiana House of Representatives, Speaker Phillip DeVillier presides, with Majority Leader Blake Miguez. The House Minority Leader is Sam Jenkins.

Capitol and facilities

The legislature has convened at the current Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge since 1932. This 34-story Art Deco building, constructed under Governor Huey Long, is the tallest state capitol in the United States. The chambers, committee rooms, and offices for members are housed within this building. The Louisiana State Capitol Complex also includes adjacent state buildings. Legislative support agencies, such as the Louisiana Legislative Auditor and the Louisiana Law Institute, are headquartered nearby to provide nonpartisan research and fiscal analysis.

Category:Government of Louisiana Category:State legislatures of the United States