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Bill

Bill

SCR 9

CONGRESS: Memorializes Congress to implement legislation to require candidates for the United States House of Representatives to reside within the congressional district they seek to represent.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stewart Cathey

Louisiana urges Congress to require House candidates to live in their districts, aiming to boost local ties and reduce outside influence in representation.

Read by title and returned to the Calendar, subject to call.
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Bill Summary · SCR 9

Legislative bill overview

This is a state memorial resolution asking the U.S. Congress to pass federal legislation requiring House of Representatives candidates to live within the districts they seek to represent. Louisiana's legislature would be formally petitioning Congress to enact this residency requirement as federal law.

Why is this important

Currently, the U.S. Constitution only requires House candidates to be U.S. citizens, at least 25 years old, and have been a citizen for seven years—residency in the district is not mandated. This proposal would change campaign dynamics by potentially reducing outside influence and encouraging representatives to have direct community ties, though it could also limit voter choice by excluding non-resident candidates.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional questions: The U.S. Supreme Court has previously ruled that states cannot impose qualifications beyond those in the Constitution; Congress would need to amend the Constitution rather than pass ordinary legislation to enforce this requirement
  • Voter choice and representation: Restricts voters' ability to elect candidates of their choosing, potentially eliminating qualified or popular non-resident candidates from consideration
  • Practical enforcement: Creates administrative challenges in defining "residency," determining when candidates must establish it, and handling edge cases like recent movers or candidates from border areas

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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