Imagine this: A New Orleans Police Department cruiser hits you, leaving you with enduring pain, untold suffering, and escalating medical expenses. Seeking justice and support, you turn to the City of New Orleans, only to face delays and indifference. With no choice left, you take legal action against the city and, triumphantly, you win the lawsuit. The court awards you compensation for your suffering. At this point, you would think justice has been served. Tragically, that's far from reality.

Owing to a glaring loophole in the Louisiana State Constitution, the City of New Orleans simply refuses to fulfill the court order to pay you. Consequences? You're left struggling for basics, possibly losing your home and grappling with hunger. This isn't a fictitious tale but a harsh truth for numerous individuals. The City of New Orleans stands alone in the state in exploiting this oversight, amassing over $30 million in unpaid legal judgments. More so, finding a lawyer to challenge the City of New Orleans is nearly impossible. Why? The city has a notorious reputation for not compensating, even when legally mandated. This blatant disregard undermines the essence of the justice system and inflicts deep distress on countless citizens.

It’s time for change. Through this Change.org campaign, we aim to seal this loophole for good, restore respect for the judiciary, and secure the justice owed to those wronged and marginalized by these inactions. Stand with us as we demand an amendment to the Louisiana State Constitution to uphold accountability and protect the rights of all citizens. Your signature is their hope. Let's end this injustice together.

The Problem:

Article XII, Section 10(C) of the Louisiana State Constitution empowers the Legislature to enact laws prohibiting the seizure of a public entity's property to satisfy a legal judgment. This clause was designed to protect essential public assets from being confiscated. However, the City of New Orleans has exploited this provision, turning it into a shield against repaying its lawful debts. As it stands, this loophole undermines our judicial system, erodes public trust, and places an undue burden on individuals and businesses entitled to recompense.

Our Proposal for Constitutional Reform:

This petition seeks to rally the citizens of Louisiana in urging our state legislators to amend the constitution in the following ways:

1. Define clear provisions for public entity liability while protecting essential services.
2. Introduce mandated payment plans for municipalities to address their financial awards.
3. Create exceptions allowing for controlled garnishment of non-essential municipal assets.
4. Implement interest penalties on outstanding judgments to motivate compliance.
5. Appoint a fiscal oversight committee for cities with habitual non-payment practices.
6. Mandate surety bonds for municipalities with repeated legal arrears.
7. Require public reporting on all outstanding judgments and remedial actions taken.
8. Encourage settlements through incentives to avoid long and costly legal proceedings.

Why Act Now?

Every day that passes without addressing this loophole allows the injustice to continue. It permits a culture of indifference towards legal rulings and sets a dangerous standard across municipalities. We must act now to amend the Constitution to ensure that all governing bodies are held accountable to the same standards as their constituents.

By signing this petition, we are collectively voicing our demand for integrity, accountability, and trust in the legal process that governs our state. It is a call for legislative courage to uphold the principles of justice and ensure equitable remedies for all. 

Please sign and share this petition to stand for truth and fairness in the enforcement of our laws.

Let us come together to close this loophole and affirm that in Louisiana, everyone, including our municipalities, is expected to uphold justice and fulfill their legal obligations.

Your voice is powerful—let's use it to bring about change.