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LA SB97
LA SB97Constitutional amendment to require the prosecutor's consent for a defendant to waive his right to a trial by jury. (2/3 - CA13s1(A))
summary
Introduced
02/20/2026
02/20/2026
In Committee
02/20/2026
02/20/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
A JOINT RESOLUTION Proposing to amend Article I, Section 17(A) of the Constitution of Louisiana, relative to jury trial in criminal cases; to require the prosecutor's consent for the defendant to waive a jury trial; and to specify an election for submission of the proposition to electors and provide a ballot proposition.
AI Summary
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment in Louisiana that would require a defendant to obtain the written consent of the prosecuting authority, meaning the prosecutor or district attorney, before they can waive their right to a trial by jury in criminal cases, except in capital cases. Currently, defendants can waive this right under certain conditions, but this change would give prosecutors a say in whether a jury trial can be bypassed. The amendment is being put forth for voter approval in a statewide election.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Prefiled and under the rules provisionally referred to the Committee on Judiciary C. (on 02/20/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=26rs&b=SB97&sbi=y |
| BillText | https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1440979 |
| Analysis - Digest of SB97 Original | https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1440980 |
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