Lafayette, LA – The Louisiana Supreme Court has ruled against a lawsuit challenging the ballot language of Amendment 2, a key proposal on the March 29 ballot. The case, which was filed in February, argued that the wording of the amendment’s ballot question was biased, misleading, and violated state law. However, the court’s decision now paves the way for Louisiana voters to decide whether to approve significant changes to the state’s tax system.
The plaintiffs, including two teachers and a pastor, contended that the ballot language failed to comply with constitutional requirements for proposed amendments. They sought to block the amendment from appearing on the ballot, asserting that the way the question was framed would confuse voters and undermine the integrity of the election process.
In its ruling, the Louisiana Supreme Court emphasized that it was not addressing the substance of Amendment 2 itself. Instead, the court focused solely on whether the language used to present the amendment to voters was legally adequate. The opinion stated, “The wisdom of the proposed changes is not before the court. That will be decided after investigation, debate, and a vote of the people.”
The court concluded that the ballot proposition was neither misleading nor biased in the way it had been presented by the legislature. As a result, the amendment will remain on the ballot, allowing voters to decide on the proposed tax law changes.
Amendment 2 seeks to make sweeping adjustments to Louisiana’s tax system, and if passed, it would bring about significant shifts in the state’s approach to taxation. However, the court’s decision ensures that the ultimate decision on the measure will lie with the electorate.
With the legal challenge behind it, all eyes will now be on the March 29 election, where Louisiana residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on one of the most consequential tax proposals in the state’s history.