amendment 3No bail after conviction for certain serious crimes against children
Read the full text of the measure: Official amendment list (PDF)
In plain words
Bans bail after conviction for people convicted of certain serious (aggravated) crimes against a child under 18. (house.louisiana.gov )
Before and after
| Topic | Now | If it passes |
|---|---|---|
| Bail after conviction for listed crimes against a child | Judge decides | Not allowed |
| Crimes covered | - | Offenses listed in R.S. 15:541, such as rape, sexual battery, child kidnapping, molestation and some trafficking crimes against minors |
Numbers from the official ballot title (ballot title ); also see (house.louisiana.gov )
Biggest change
- Bans bail after conviction for people convicted of certain serious (aggravated) crimes against a child under 18. source: house.louisiana.gov
Who it affects most: People convicted of listed crimes against children; crime victims.
Cost to the state: None stated.
Our plain-words summary. Every line points to its source.
What your vote means
A YES vote means a person convicted of a listed aggravated offense against a minor could not be released on any bail after conviction.
A NO vote keeps the current rule, where a judge decides on bail after conviction in these cases.
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 271, HB 51; sponsor Rep. Debbie Villio) source: sos.la.gov
- The constitution already bars bail for some capital offenses and certain violent or drug offenses. PAR cites a Baton Rouge case where a man convicted of raping an 8-year-old was released on bail before sentencing. source: parlouisiana.org
Why supporters want it
No public statement found.
Why opponents object
No public statement found.
Who backs each side
- For: Rep. Debbie Villio (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 defendant from being released on any post-conviction bail if the defendant is convicted of an aggravated offense against a minor child? (Adds Article I, Section 18(C))
Yes
No
Copied word for word from the Secretary of State list of 2026 proposed constitutional amendments (Act 271 (2026 Regular Session)).
Latest news
Recent reporting from a range of outlets, newest first. We link to it; we don't endorse it.
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Full text of the measure
Read it in the Official amendment list (PDF) , or on the Legislature's page for Amendment No. 3 (Act 271, HB 51) , 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 51 bill history
We link to analysis from several sources; we don't endorse it.