Sponsored by Republican Sen. Heather Cloud, the amendment is set for a public vote in the elections scheduled for March 29, 2025, and could enable legislators to expand the list of offenses with a two-thirds vote.

Opponents, including Democrats and advocates for criminal justice reform, argue that treating juveniles as adults undermines their access to age-appropriate rehabilitation services and fails to address systemic issues.

Critics emphasize that the proposed changes do not tackle the root causes of juvenile crime, such as poverty and inadequate education, and could hinder access to rehabilitative services appropriate for their age.

On November 22, 2024, Louisiana's Republican-controlled Legislature passed a constitutional amendment that allows for the expansion of crimes for which juveniles aged 14 to 16 can be tried as adults.

If enacted, the new measure would remove the requirement for voter approval to add more crimes eligible for adult trials, shifting this authority to the Legislature.

Supporters argue that the amendment will enhance public safety by providing prosecutors with the necessary tools to address juvenile crime effectively.

The push for this amendment has been fueled by high-profile juvenile crimes, including a fatal carjacking incident in New Orleans that received significant media attention.

Support for the amendment comes from law enforcement groups, including the Louisiana District Attorneys Association and the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association, although some officials express concerns about its potential impact on jail resources.

Proponents claim that youth committing violent offenses often come from troubled backgrounds, indicating a need for stricter measures without addressing broader societal failures.

Louisiana is one of only five states that classify 17-year-olds as adults in the criminal justice system, highlighting its unique stance on juvenile justice.

The amendment could lead to longer prison sentences for juveniles, even for lesser offenses, according to criminal justice advocates.

Despite rising concerns over juvenile crimes, violent crime rates are reportedly declining nationwide and in New Orleans, which some lawmakers attribute to recent policies and law enforcement initiatives.