CRIMINAL/JURY TRIALS: (Constitutional Amendment) Requires unanimous jury verdicts for noncapital felonies committed prior to January 1, 2019

HB 532 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring unanimous jury verdicts (12 jurors all agreeing) for noncapital felony cases committed before January 1, 2019, replacing the current standard that allowed 10 of 12 jurors to agree. This change would only apply to offenses committed prior to 2019, not future cases, and requires voter approval in the November 2026 election. The amendment must be approved by Louisiana voters to take effect.