Constitutional Amendment #9

By Justin Centanni, Assessor

Published

Last Updated

Constitutional Amendment #9

Effective January 1, 2027 | Act 220 (2025 Regular Session)

What changes

Increases the household income limit for qualifying for the Special Assessment Level (property value "freeze") from $102,700 to $150,000, with future adjustments according to the Consumer Price Index (inflation) beginning in 2028.

Voter’s Perspective

Number of Special Assessment Level Properties in Lafayette Parish
Senior Freeze8139
Disabled Homeowner Freeze285
Veterans Freeze26
Total8,450

The Special Assessment Level generally “freezes” the assessed value of an eligible homestead. Raising the income limit means more seniors, qualifying disabled veterans, and permanently disabled homeowners would qualify. The income threshold was set at $100,000 in 2020 with a similar annual adjustment for inflation starting in 2026. This amendment would reset the level to $150,000 with the inflation adjustment starting again in 2028.

The assessor would continue to determine eligibility and administer the freeze.

Financial Impact

It is difficult to put a dollar amount on the impact without knowing how many additional homeowners qualify, though a nearly 50% increase in the threshold will certainly increase the numbers above. Unlike Amendment #6, it does not reduce the assessed value of any property, rather it freezes the current value in place. It limits future increases in assessed value that would have otherwise occurred, providing qualifying homeowners who may be on a fixed income with protection against increased cost of living.

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