ELECTIONS/INITIATIVE-REF: Authorizes a citizens advisory referendum election (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

HB 544 creates a process for Louisiana parishes to hold advisory referendums on specific issues, directly affecting registered voters who wish to propose questions. It requires petitioners to gather signatures from at least 10% of the parish’s registered voters using a Secretary of State-approved form, with only one question per petition. The bill details procedures for filing petitions, verifying signatures, and processing results, while clarifying that outcomes are advisory only and not binding on elected officials. This procedural bill establishes a formalized system for citizen-initiated advisory votes but does not create new policy mandates.