Senate committee advances framework for a constitutional convention and authorizes off‑season study

Representative Green outlined HB 244 to establish rules if the legislature ever calls a constitutional convention: cap delegates at 144, elect delegates from house and senate districts, require a 0.667 delegate threshold to send proposals to voters, and demand ratification by a majority of voters plus approval in at least 0.75 of parishes. He said the design aims to protect minority and regional interests and ‘‘put the guardrails on the convention itself.’’

Senators questioned whether the 0.75 parish ratification requirement would be too difficult to meet; Senator Miller noted it could let more populous areas win majority support while small parishes block proposals. A public commenter argued voters have repeatedly rejected amendment proposals and urged a convention. After debate a motion to report HB 244 favorably was made, Senator Miller objected, a roll call was held and the ayes carried; the bill will move to the Senate floor. Separately Representative Dixon McMakin’s amended HB 4—designed to require HGA and SGA committees to meet off‑season to develop convention mechanics—was discussed; a motion to report HB 4 failed on a roll call and the bill will remain in committee.