(The Center Square) — The Louisiana Legislature could vote on a bill that would streamline the process for adding crimes that allow juvenile offenders to be transferred to adult court in Louisiana.
The measure could be decided by Louisiana voters on Nov. 15, 2025 after the Judiciary Committee reported the bill favorably on Thursday.
In Louisiana, minors under 18 are typically tried in juvenile courts, where the focus is on rehabilitation, but certain serious crimes can lead to minors being tried as adults, which often results in harsher penalties and a permanent criminal record.
The proposed amendment to Article V, Section 19 of the state constitution aims to give the Legislature more flexibility in prosecuting certain juvenile offenders as adults
Under current law, special juvenile procedures are required for anyone under 17, but exceptions can be made for specific serious crimes, like murder or rape, if two-thirds of the Legislature agrees.
The amendment would eliminate the specific list of offenses and instead allow the Legislature to decide, by a two-thirds vote, which juvenile crimes may be subject to adult prosecution.
Additionally, the amendment would keep existing provisions allowing the Legislature to lower the age limits for juvenile procedures and give courts the authority to transfer individual juvenile cases to adult court if approved by a two-thirds legislative vote.
The bill was not heard by the Judiciary Committee without criticism.
Michael Cahoon of the Promise of Justice Initiative argues that the high threshold for adding offenses is necessary to protect youth from being prematurely tried as adults and to preserve the public’s role in serious sentencing decisions.
Cahoon noted current burdens on detention centers and highlighted cases where youth remain in adult facilities due to minor offenses and inability to post bond.
Kristen Rome of the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights added that serious crimes like carjacking are already transferable under current law, arguing that the proposed bill addresses an issue that doesn’t exist and risks constitutional disruption without clear need.
“Many of these crimes that were brought up — drive-by shootings, carjacking — these are all covered by the enumerated crimes currently listed, and that can be transferred,” Rome said.
