Bills of interest in upcoming legislative session

“No man’s life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session.” This quotation has been attributed to Gideon J. Tucker and Mark Twain. Regardless of who said it first, it rings true. I just had a look at a list of some of the pre-filed bills. In the interest of political neutrality at this blog, I’ll refrain from editorializing on them. But a few of them bear watching by Louisiana appellate lawyers.

Two bills would propose constitutional amendments affecting the structure of the Louisiana Supreme Court. House Bill No. 28 would increase the number of justices from seven to nine (one chief justice plus eight associate justices). Probably more controversial will be Senate Bill No. 178; that one would eliminate the seven supreme-court districts and require all justices to win statewide election. That one is bound to be a lightning rod, as it will likely be perceived as an effort to dilute minority votes.

One more bill of note, Senate Bill No. 78, would propose a constitutional amendment empowering the legislature to create courts by a two-thirds vote. I don’t know the purpose of that one; my impression is that the legislature already has the power to create courts—our five courts of appeal are creatures of legislation. See La. R.S. 13:312.