LA HB544

Parish governing authorities may hold non-binding advisory referendums when at least 10% of registered voters in the parish sign a petition requesting a specific question be placed on the ballot

Petitions must be filed with the Secretary of State, use an attorney general-approved form, contain only one question per petition, and be submitted to the registrar of voters within 180 days of initial filing

The registrar of voters must certify petition signatures within 30 working days, verifying signers are registered voters in the parish; voters may add or withdraw signatures until 5 days after receipt or certification, whichever is earlier

Ballot questions must be limited to 200 words, use simple and unbiased language, and clearly state that results are advisory and non-binding

A majority of votes cast determines the outcome, but results serve only as an expression of voter sentiment with no legal binding effect on parish government