Louisiana becomes fourth state to advance a bail-related constitutional amendment to voters in 2026

The Louisiana State Legislature approved a constitutional amendment related to post-conviction bail for defendants who are convicted of an aggravated offense against minors for the Nov. 3, 2026, statewide general election ballot. Legislators passed the amendment on May 13, 2026.

In Louisiana, a two-thirds (66.67%) vote is required during a single session to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 70 votes in the Louisiana House of Representatives and 26 votes in the Louisiana State Senate, assuming there are no vacancies.

Introduced as House Bill 51 (HB 51) on Jan. 30, 2026, the constitutional amendment would prohibit bail for individuals convicted of an aggravated offense, as defined by state law, against a minor.

As of 2026, Article I, Section 18 of the Louisiana Constitution provides for the right to bail after conviction but before sentencing if the maximum sentence is five years or less; judges may grant bail if the maximum sentence is more than five years.



https://news.ballotpedia.org/2026/05/19/louisiana-becomes-fourth-state-to-advance-a-bail-related-constitutional-amendment-to-voters-in-2026/