Landry’s Tax Overhaul in Jeopardy as High-Stakes Lawsuit Challenges Legality
The lawsuit, brought by two teachers and a pastor, accuses the administration of misleading voters and violating constitutional safeguards by cramming multiple, unrelated policy changes into a single ballot measure.
BATON ROUGE, La. — Gov. Jeff Landry’s signature tax reform plan is facing a monumental legal challenge that could dismantle his administration’s fiscal agenda and throw Louisiana’s tax system into chaos. A lawsuit filed in the 19th Judicial District Court threatens to block Amendment 2, a sweeping constitutional change that would rewrite the state’s financial structure, fundamentally altering tax policy, religious protections, and public education funding.
The lawsuit, brought by two teachers and a pastor, accuses the administration of misleading voters and violating constitutional safeguards by cramming multiple, unrelated policy changes into a single ballot measure. The plaintiffs argue that the amendment is designed to deceive, presenting voters with only the most palatable aspects while concealing severe consequences that could destabilize essential public services.
At the center of the controversy is a provision that strips constitutional tax protections from religious nonprofits, leaving them vulnerable to future legislative action. If passed, the amendment would eliminate automatic tax exemptions for churches, faith-based charities, and religious schools—an unprecedented move that has sparked outrage among clergy and faith leaders across the state.
Additionally, the lawsuit warns of a catastrophic impact on education, as the amendment removes constitutional guarantees for early childhood programs, STEM education, and dyslexia training. More than 26,000 students statewide rely on these initiatives, and their funding would be left to the discretion of lawmakers, who could slash budgets with no constitutional protections in place.
Legal experts caution that if the court upholds the lawsuit, the ruling could invalidate Landry’s entire tax reform plan, forcing his administration back to the Legislature and dealing a humiliating political blow to his leadership. The case will be heard by Judge Louise Haring, with early voting set to begin March 15 and the election scheduled for March 29. The accelerated timeline adds intense pressure, as a court decision against Amendment 2 could leave lawmakers scrambling for alternative solutions.
Even if the measure remains on the ballot, ongoing litigation could lead to its retroactive invalidation, throwing the state’s tax policies into legal limbo. Business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and educators are bracing for uncertainty, with billions of dollars in tax implications hanging in the balance.
This case is more than a legal dispute—it is a direct challenge to the governor’s authority and his ability to reshape Louisiana’s economic future. A defeat in court would cripple Landry’s administration, forcing a political reckoning that could derail his broader agenda and redefine the state’s fiscal trajectory for years to come.
