amendment 5Retirement systems can pay any old debt, not just the oldest first
Read the full text of the measure: Official amendment list (PDF)
In plain words
Lets state retirement systems use one-time state money to pay down any part of their unfunded debt, not only the oldest part first. (house.louisiana.gov )
Before and after
| Topic | Now | If it passes |
|---|---|---|
| Which debt one-time money pays | Oldest first | Any unfunded debt |
| At least 25% of surplus to retirement debt | Yes | Yes (unchanged) |
Numbers from the official ballot title (ballot title ); also see (house.louisiana.gov )
Biggest change
- Lets state retirement systems use one-time state money to pay down any part of their unfunded debt, not only the oldest part first. source: house.louisiana.gov
Who it affects most: State retirement systems and taxpayers.
Cost to the state: No dollar estimate; payoff order can change future payments and total interest (PAR).
Our plain-words summary. Every line points to its source.
What your vote means
A YES vote lets one-time state money go to any part of a retirement system's unfunded debt.
A NO vote keeps the rule that this money must go to the oldest debt first.
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 606, HB 27; sponsor Rep. Dixon McMakin) source: sos.la.gov
- Four state retirement systems owe more than $13 billion beyond their assets (PAR). source: parlouisiana.org
Why supporters want it
No public statement found.
Why opponents object
No public statement found.
Who backs each side
- For: Rep. Dixon McMakin (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 authorize a state retirement system to apply any nonrecurring state monies it receives to any of its unfunded accrued liability rather than requiring application to its oldest unfunded accrued liability? (Amends Article VII, Section 10(D)(2)(b)(iii))
Yes
No
Copied word for word from the Secretary of State list of 2026 proposed constitutional amendments (Act 606 (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. 5 (Act 606, HB 27) , 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 27 bill history
We link to analysis from several sources; we don't endorse it.