Louisiana voters made a decisive statement on Tuesday, approving a constitutional amendment that prevents former governors from seeking the state’s highest office after serving more than six years. The measure passed with 56% support, effectively closing the door for former Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and former Republican Governor Bobby Jindal to run again.

Key ballot measures and results

Voters also approved six additional amendments, each addressing distinct areas of state policy:

• Amendment 9 – 58% voted to raise the annual income threshold for homeowners eligible for a property‑tax assessment freeze from $100,000 to $150,000. The freeze continues to benefit residents 65 and older, disabled veterans, permanently disabled homeowners, and certain surviving military spouses.
• Amendment 6 – 64% supported allowing local governments to increase homestead exemptions for qualifying homeowners 65 and older, with any increase requiring approval from local voters before taking effect.
• Amendment 1 – 74% approved a measure that lets surviving spouses of deceased veterans with service‑connected disabilities transfer an additional homestead exemption to a new residence. The fiscal impact is expected to be modest, as only 229 people claimed the existing exemption last year.
• Amendment 3 – 68% voted to prohibit judges from granting post‑conviction bail to defendants convicted of serious crimes against minors, including rape, kidnapping and human trafficking.
• Amendment 7 – 65% backed a plan that clears the way for $152 million in federal funding to replace lead water pipes in New Orleans, including those on private property. While the funding covers only a fraction of the estimated $1 billion‑plus cost, the city faces a federal deadline of 2037 to complete the work.
• Amendment 8 – 62% approved a constitutional prohibition against foreign adversaries exercising eminent‑domain powers in Louisiana. State law already restricts certain property acquisitions by designated foreign adversaries such as China, Russia, Iran, Cuba and North Korea.

Measures that did not pass

Three proposals were rejected by voters:

• Amendment 2 – 58% opposed giving local governments more flexibility to temporarily lower property‑tax rates without losing the authority to restore them later.
• Amendment 5 – 62% voted against allowing lawmakers to change how surplus state funds are allocated toward retirement‑system debt.
• Amendment 10 – 53% rejected a plan that would permit local governments to offer property‑tax exemptions to owners who rehabilitate blighted properties.

Implications for Louisiana families and communities

The term‑limits amendment reflects a growing desire for fresh leadership and limits the ability of career politicians to return after a hiatus. For families, the property‑tax measures provide meaningful relief to seniors, disabled veterans and surviving military spouses, helping them keep more of their hard‑earned income.

Criminal‑justice safeguards in Amendment 3 reinforce protections for minors, while the lead‑pipe funding in New Orleans addresses a critical public‑health concern that has plagued the city for decades. The foreign‑adversary eminent‑domain ban underscores Louisiana’s commitment to protecting its land and resources from hostile foreign influence.

Overall, the ballot outcomes demonstrate Louisiana voters’ willingness to balance fiscal responsibility, public safety, and the preservation of family‑focused benefits, all while ensuring that government remains accountable to the people.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.