In 2024, Governor Landry pushed for a constitutional convention, but the State Senate showed no interest. So now, there’s another push. In the first House bill filed for the 2026 legislative session, Baton Rouge Republican Dixon McMakin is proposing a constitutional convention that would start on December 29th. McMakin says unlike Landry’s plan that would have been accelerated, this process would be drawn out.
“They come in every month. They talk about the different articles. And then, only then, after all of those meetings, after all those sessions you have, going through an entire year’s process, it’s then put up to a vote of the people,” McMakin explained.
McMakin points out that the current state constitution is 51 years old; and whereas the U.S.’ 236-year-old constitution is less than 9,000 words long, including the 27 amendments, Louisiana’s constitution is more than 100,000 words long.
“We’ve seen time and time again: Legislators, the public complains that our Constitution is too long, too intricate. It’s time to get back to basics,” McMakin said.
McMakin says the current state constitution includes things that don’t belong there, such as the finances and intricacies of the local parishes.
“The Constitution should be setting up our framework for our policies, what we believe in, but not the day-to-day workings of our state and local government,” Mc Makin said.