Louisiana voters could give DAs more power over defendants who want to waive jury trials

Louisiana lawmakers are on track to let voters decide whether prosecutors should have more control over when a criminal defendant can waive their right to a jury trial.

Senate Bill 97, sponsored by Sen. Jay Morris, R-West Monroe, would amend the Louisiana Constitution to require a prosecutor’s consent for a defendant to have a judge decide their guilt or innocence in a felony case that doesn’t involve the death penalty. The bill cleared the House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure in a 5-1 vote Monday and will head next to the House floor. If approved there, it will need to go back to the Senate for final approval of a minor revision made in the House committee.

As a constitutional amendment, the proposal needs two-thirds support from each chamber before it can be placed on the April 17, 2027, ballot for voter approval.

On March 24, the Senate advanced the amendment in a 26-11 vote along party lines, barely reaching the threshold for approval. It will need a minimum of 70 votes to pass the House, which Republicans control with a 73-32 majority.


https://lailluminator.com/briefs/waive-jury-trials/