Establishes a judicial building fund for the construction of a new courthouse in the Twenty-First Judicial District Court in Livingston Parish (EN +$1,366,860 LF RV See Note)
Impact
The implementation of HB 407 introduces new fees that will directly affect civil court filings in Livingston Parish. These charges will supplement existing court costs and provide a financial framework to support the construction and operational expenses associated with the new courthouse. It grants the Livingston Parish Council ownership and control over the courthouse fund, enabling them to issue bonds or other forms of indebtedness secured by the fund. This move is potentially transformative for local judicial infrastructure and is meant to enhance the capacity and functionality of the legal system within the region.
Summary
House Bill 407 establishes a judicial building fund intended for the construction and maintenance of a new courthouse in the Twenty-First Judicial District Court located in Livingston Parish. The bill allows the judges of the district court, acting together with the Livingston Parish Clerk of Court, to impose and collect additional filing charges for civil matters. Specifically, a filing charge of $100 is applied to the initial filing of civil suits, alongside an additional $10 for each subsequent pleading. This fund is dedicated exclusively to the courthouse project and is expected to generate significant financial resources necessary for its realization.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 407 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among local lawmakers and stakeholders who foresee the courthouse as a vital resource for the community. The establishment of a dedicated fund signifies a proactive approach towards judicial improvements. However, some community voices may express concerns about the increased financial burden on individuals filing civil cases, as the bill adds new costs to what could already be an expensive process.
Contention
While there is broad support for the necessity of a new courthouse, discussions may arise about the fairness and implications of imposing additional filing fees. Opponents might raise issues regarding access to justice, particularly for low-income residents. They might argue that such financial requirements could deter individuals from pursuing legitimate claims in court. Furthermore, the mechanism for reduction of such fees, as outlined in the bill, could also be scrutinized to ensure it provides sufficient flexibility based on the fund's financial status.
Establishes the Ascension Parish Courthouse Fund for the construction of a new courthouse for the Twenty-Third Judicial District Court and the Ascension Parish Court (EN +$1,985,370 LF RV See Note)
Provides for the jurisdictional limitation of certain city courts and the authority of constables of the First and Second City Court of New Orleans and their deputies and provides for judicial building fund for the Civil District Court for the parish of Orleans. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF)
Provides relative to fees charged by the clerk of court for the Twenty-sixth Judicial District Court. (2/3 - CA7s2.1(A)) (8/1/20) (EN INCREASE LF RV See Note)
Highways: memorial; portion of M-50 in Eaton County; designate as the "Ensign Francis Flaherty Medal of Honor Recipient Memorial Highway". Amends sec. 103 of 2001 PA 142 (MCL 250.1103).