House Civil Law Committee advances amendment to let legislature seek removal of judges

The Louisiana House Civil Law Committee voted to report Senate Bill 123, a proposed constitutional amendment that would create a legislative process for removing judges for cause, sending the measure to the House floor with an amendment and a 5-1 roll-call.

Ms. Nguyen read the bill summary, saying the measure would amend Article 4, Section 5(I) to require the governor to certify a legislative vote removing a judicial officer "for cause" as determined by a majority of the legislature. Senator Morris, speaking for the sponsor, described the proposal as creating "a legal process for, essentially, impeachment of a judicial officer through legislative proceeding and approval by the governor."

The committee adopted amendment set 5,285 to revise the ballot language. The amendment changes the voter question to ask whether they support allowing removal of judges for "malfeasance, gross misconduct, or incompetence" as determined by a majority vote of the legislature and certified by the governor. The committee also adopted the committee's 6.8A report, which notes the measure cannot be accomplished by statute and recommends placement on the April 17, 2027 special election ballot to "ensure maximum voter turnout to the extent practicable."

The chair moved to report the bill with the amendment. Judge Carter objected, triggering a roll-call. Miss Gerizano called the vote; the tally was five yeas and one nay, and the measure was reported to the floor. Committee members recorded as voting were Chairman Muscarello (yes), Representative Carter (no), Representative Chennavier (yes), Representative Glorioso (yes), Speaker Pro Tem Johnson (yes) and Representative Mallory (yes).

No speakers appeared in opposition during debate; one opposition card from Chris Alexander of the Louisiana Citizen Advocacy Group was entered into the record but the caller did not speak.

The bill will next be scheduled for floor consideration.