Louisiana State Senate

Louisiana State Senate
Name	Louisiana State Senate
Legislature	Louisiana State Legislature
House type	Upper house
Body	Louisiana Legislature
Term limits	3 consecutive terms (12 years)
New session	March 11, 2024
Leader1 type	President
Leader1	Cameron Henry
Party1	(R)
Election1	January 8, 2024
Leader2 type	President Pro Tempore
Leader2	Beth Mizell
Party2	(R)
Election2	January 8, 2024
Leader3 type	Majority Leader
Leader3	Sharon Hewitt
Party3	(R)
Election3	January 8, 2024
Leader4 type	Minority Leader
Leader4	Gerald Boudreaux
Party4	(D)
Election4	January 8, 2024
Members	39
Political groups1	Majority (28), Republican (28), Minority (11), Democratic (11)
Term length	4 years
Authority	Article III, Louisiana Constitution
Salary	$16,800/year + per diem
Last election1	October 14 & November 18, 2023
Next election1	2027
Meeting place	State Senate Chamber, Louisiana State Capitol, Baton Rouge
Website	[http://senate.la.gov/ senate.la.gov]

Louisiana State Senate. It is the upper chamber of the Louisiana State Legislature, the state's bicameral legislative body. The Senate is composed of 39 members elected from single-member districts across Louisiana. Its primary functions include crafting state legislation, confirming gubernatorial appointments, and proposing amendments to the Louisiana Constitution.

History

The origins trace to the first territorial legislature established under the Louisiana Purchase and the Organic Act of 1804. The first state constitution, adopted upon entry to the Union in 1812, formally created a bicameral legislature. The Senate's early history was shaped by the political conflicts of the Antebellum South, the turmoil of the American Civil War, and the contentious Reconstruction era. Significant structural changes occurred under the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, which established the current four-year terms and term limits. Notable historical figures who served include Huey Long, whose political machine dominated state politics in the 1930s, and John J. McKeithen, who later became Governor of Louisiana.

Membership and elections

Members are elected from districts reapportioned every ten years following the United States Census. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, a qualified elector, and have been a resident of the district for at least one year prior to election. Elections are held every four years, coinciding with the year preceding the presidential election. If no candidate receives a majority in the open primary, a runoff is held between the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation. This unique system, distinct from most other state legislatures, was established by the Louisiana Legislature and can lead to intraparty general election contests.

Powers and duties

The chamber holds several exclusive powers outlined in the Louisiana Constitution. It must confirm many appointments made by the Governor of Louisiana, including heads of major departments, members of powerful boards like the Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors, and judges for various courts. The Senate also has the sole power to try officials impeached by the Louisiana House of Representatives. It shares equal responsibility with the lower house for passing the state budget, enacting statutes, and initiating constitutional amendments, which require a two-thirds vote in both chambers before going to a popular vote.

Leadership and committees

The presiding officer is the President, a position held by the state's Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana, though this role is largely ceremonial. Day-to-day leadership is exercised by the President Pro Tempore, elected from the membership. Other key leaders include the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader. The work is conducted through standing committees such as the powerful Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee, the Judiciary B Committee, and the Education Committee. These committees hold hearings on bills, conduct investigations, and review the operations of state agencies like the Louisiana Department of Education.

Current composition and session

Following the 2023 Louisiana statewide elections, the Republican Party holds a supermajority of 28 seats, while the Democratic Party holds 11. The current President is Cameron Henry, with Beth Mizell serving as President Pro Tempore. The regular legislative session convenes annually in the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, typically beginning in March and lasting for 60 days in even-numbered years and 45 days in odd-numbered years, as mandated by the constitution. The body is currently addressing issues such as insurance reform, coastal erosion, and revisions to the Louisiana Civil Code.

Past composition of the Senate

Political control has shifted significantly over the decades. For much of the 20th century, the chamber was dominated by the Democratic Party, a legacy of the Solid South following the end of Reconstruction. The first Republican gains in the modern era began in the late 20th century, accelerating after the election of Governor Mike Foster. The Republican Party achieved a majority for the first time since the 19th century following the 2011 elections. This shift mirrored broader political realignments in the Southern United States and has been sustained through subsequent election cycles, including the 2015 and 2019 contests.

Louisiana Category:Louisiana State Legislature Category:Government of Louisiana