Constitutional amendment to grant the St. George community school system in East Baton Rouge Parish the same authority granted to parishes to operate a school system. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (EN +$2,457,390 GF EX See Note)
Summary
SB 25 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would treat the St. George community school system in East Baton Rouge Parish as a parish for purposes of Article VIII, Section 13 of the Louisiana Constitution. That change would give the St. George system the same authority parishes have in operating a school system, including authority tied to the minimum foundation program, funding for school books and instructional materials, and the ability to raise certain local revenues for elementary and secondary schools.
The resolution does not itself change school funding formulas directly in statute; instead, it places a constitutional amendment before voters. If approved, it would expand the constitutional list of school systems and municipalities that are “regarded and treated as parishes” for these funding and operational purposes. The measure also sets the election date for the amendment, with the ballot question scheduled for April 18, 2026 if HB 625 becomes effective, or November 3, 2026 otherwise.
Impact
The bill would amend Article VIII, Section 13(D)(1) of the Louisiana Constitution to add the St. George community school system to the group of local school systems granted parish-like authority. That would affect how the system may participate in state education funding mechanisms and how it may levy or use certain local revenues for public schools. Because it is a constitutional amendment, it would alter the legal status of the St. George system relative to other local school systems and could affect future school finance and governance decisions in East Baton Rouge Parish.
Sentiment
The recorded votes show the measure advancing with clear majorities in both chambers, indicating generally favorable legislative support. The Senate passed the bill 26-5 and later concurred 28-9, while the House passed it 69-23 and 69-24, suggesting substantial support but not unanimity. The absence of committee transcripts limits insight into debate, but the vote margins indicate the bill was broadly accepted while still drawing meaningful opposition.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to be whether the St. George community school system should receive the same constitutional treatment and funding authority as parishes. Supporters likely view the amendment as necessary to give the new system equal footing in school governance and access to local revenue tools, while opponents appear to have objected to expanding parish-like powers to a community school system or to the broader implications for school funding and local control. The split votes in both chambers suggest disagreement over the policy and constitutional precedent, even though the measure ultimately advanced.