amendment 4Lifetime two-term limit for governor
Read the full text of the measure: Official amendment list (PDF)
In plain words
Makes the governor's two-term limit a lifetime limit, so a person who served more than one and a half terms could never be elected governor again. (house.louisiana.gov )
Before and after
| Topic | Now | If it passes |
|---|---|---|
| Two terms in a row | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Return after sitting out a term | Allowed | Not allowed if already served more than 1.5 terms |
Numbers from the official ballot title (ballot title ); also see (house.louisiana.gov )
Biggest change
- Makes the governor's two-term limit a lifetime limit, so a person who served more than one and a half terms could never be elected governor again. source: house.louisiana.gov
Who it affects most: Former and future governors; all voters.
Cost to the state: None stated.
Our plain-words summary. Every line points to its source.
What your vote means
A YES vote means anyone who has served more than one and a half terms as governor can never be elected governor again.
A NO vote keeps the current rule, which only limits a governor to two terms in a row.
Our one-line summary. Louisiana does not publish an official "what your vote means" statement; the ballot title above is the official description.
Why people want it, and why others object
Why this is on the ballot
The Legislature put this on the ballot. It changes the state constitution, so only another statewide vote can change it back. It passes with Majority of votes cast statewide.
- Louisiana Legislature, by two-thirds vote of each chamber (Act 414, HB 225; sponsor Rep. Mike Bayham) source: sos.la.gov
- Former Gov. Edwin Edwards served four terms in total. 37 states have governor term limits (PAR). PAR notes some lawyers suggested it might apply only to future governors. source: parlouisiana.org
Why supporters want it
No public statement found.
Why opponents object
No public statement found.
Who backs each side
- For: Rep. Mike Bayham (Legislative sponsor) source: parlouisiana.org
- Against: No public statement found.
In each side's own words where we could find them, quoted or summarized with a link to the source. We don't endorse either side.
What you will see on your ballot
Official ballot wording, word for word (tap to open)
The official ballot title, word for word from the Louisiana Secretary of State .
Do you support an amendment to prohibit a person who has served more than one and one-half terms as governor from being elected as governor for any future term? (Amends Article IV, Section 3(B))
Yes
No
Copied word for word from the Secretary of State list of 2026 proposed constitutional amendments (Act 414 (2026 Regular Session)).
Latest news
Recent reporting from a range of outlets, newest first. We link to it; we don't endorse it.
No articles collected yet for this measure.
Full text of the measure
Read it in the Official amendment list (PDF) , or on the Legislature's page for Amendment No. 4 (Act 414, HB 225) , which also shows the votes in each chamber.
Read more
- Secretary of State, 2026 Proposed Constitutional Amendments (Nov. 3, 2026)
- PAR Guide to the Fall 2026 Constitutional Amendments
- Louisiana House amendment summaries (Nov. 3, 2026)
- HB 225 bill history
We link to analysis from several sources; we don't endorse it.