SB97

Louisiana SB97 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring prosecutor consent for a defendant to waive their right to a jury trial in noncapital.

Louisiana SB97 proposes a constitutional amendment to Article I, Section 17(A) of the state's constitution, altering the process for waiving a jury trial in noncapital felony cases. Currently, a defendant may waive their right to a jury trial with certain conditions, but this bill would require the written consent of the prosecuting authority for such a waiver to be valid. The waiver must occur no later than 45 days before the trial date and would be irrevocable. This amendment, if passed, would be submitted to the voters in the statewide election on April 17, 2027.