non profit organizations

All four of Louisiana’s constitutional amendments passed Saturday. But what does each mean, and what impact does it have on the state?Can’t see the below election results? Click here. Amendment No. 1: Prohibiting donations to conduct electionsBALLOT LANGUAGE: Do you support an amendment to prohibit the use of funds, goods, or services from a foreign government or a nongovernmental source to conduct elections and election functions and duties unless the use is authorized by the secretary of state through policies established in accordance with law?Currently, Louisianas election code does not contain provisions about receiving private funds or other contributions from outside groups or donors. That leave a legal gray area. A yes vote would prohibit the use of funds and resources from a foreign government or a nongovernmental source for the conduct of elections unless provided for in the election code and subject to restrictions provided by general law. Amendment No. 2: Constitutional Right to Worship in a Church or Place of Worship BALLOT LANGUAGE: Do you support an amendment to provide that the freedom of worship in a church or other place of worship is a fundamental right that is worthy of the highest order of protection?Louisiana Amendment 2 would harden constitutional protections for worship.This amendment stems from the pandemic, when the state shut down churches by executive order. A yes vote would ensure that any restriction placed on the freedom to worship in a church or other place of worship would be required to face the highest bar of judicial review. Amendment No. 3: The State Retirement System Funding AmendmentBALLOT LANGUAGE: Do you support an amendment to require that a minimum of twenty-five percent of any money designated as nonrecurring state revenue be applied toward the balance of the unfunded accrued liability of the state retirement systems?Louisiana Amendment 3, a constitutional amendment, deals with the use of surplus in the states budget.Currently, at least 10% of any surplus would go to the unfunded liability of the state retirement system. The amendment would boost that to a minimum of 25%. A yes vote supports requiring a minimum of 25% of any money designated as nonrecurring state revenue be applied toward the balance of the unfunded accrued liability of the state retirement systems. Amendment No. 4: Amendment to force nuisance properties to pay taxesBALLOT LANGUAGE: Do you support an amendment to deny a property tax exemption to a nonprofit corporation or association that owns residential property in such a state of disrepair that it endangers public health or safety?Constitutional Amendment 4 restricts Ad Valorem Tax Exemptions for certain nonprofit organizations.This allows the city or parishes to pull the tax-exempt status of non-profit organizations that are not good neighbors and run and own nuisance properties.A “Yes” vote would force them to pay taxes if they’re a public safety of health danger. It’s a three-strike and you’re out policy. All violations have to be code enforcement related, like poor living conditions, hazards on the properties and safety.While the bill did originate in New Orleans, it would be in place statewide if passed and will be on everyone’s ballot in Louisiana. ALL RACES | JEFFERSON | LAFOURCHE | ORLEANS | PLAQUEMINES | ST. BERNARD | ST. CHARLES | ST. JAMES | ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST | ST. TAMMANY | TANGIPAHOA | TERREBONNE | WASHINGTONQUICK RESULTS LINKS: GOVERNOR | LT. GOVERNOR | SECRETARY OF STATE | TREASURER | ATTORNEY GENERAL | HOUSE & SENATE SEATS | AMENDMENTS | ST. TAMMANY PARISH PRESIDENT | ST. BERNARD PARISH PRESIDENT | ST. CHARLES PARISH PRESIDENT | ST. TAMMANY SHERIFF | JEFFERSON PARISH COUNCIL AT LARGE