HLS 12RS-693 ENGROSSED
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE BILL NO. 325
BY REPRESENTATIVE ARNOLD
INDIGENT DEFENSE: Increases the special cost assessed in criminal cases in each
judicial district court for the district indigent defender fund
AN ACT1
To amend and reenact R.S. 15:168(B)(1), relative to the judicial district indigent defender2
fund; to increase the special cost assessed in criminal cases in each judicial district3
court for the district indigent defender fund; to provide for effectiveness; and to4
provide for related matters.5
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:6
Section 1. R.S. 15:168(B)(1) is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:7
ยง168. Judicial district indigent defender fund8
* * *9
B.(1) Every court of original criminal jurisdiction, except in the town of10
Jonesville, in the city of Plaquemine, and in mayors' courts in municipalities having11
a population of less than five thousand, shall remit the following special costs to the12
district indigent defender fund for the following violations, under state statute as well13
as under parish or municipal ordinance, except a parking violation. The sum of14
thirty-five fifty dollars shall be assessed in cases in which a defendant is convicted15
after a trial, a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, or after forfeiting bond and shall be16
in addition to all other fines, costs, or forfeitures imposed. The court cost of fifty17
dollars authorized by the provisions of this Subsection shall expire on August 1,18
2014, and thereafter the court cost authorized by the provisions of this Subsection19
shall be thirty-five dollars.20
* * *21 HLS 12RS-693 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 325
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Arnold HB No. 325
Abstract: Increases the special cost assessed in criminal cases in each district court for the
district indigent defender fund, and provides that such increase shall be effective
until Aug. 1, 2014.
Present law provides for the assessment of a $35 special cost in each district court in all
criminal cases where the defendant has been convicted, has plead guilty or nolo contendere,
or has forfeited bond. Provides for the use and administration of such funds by the district
public defender.
Proposed law increases the special cost from $35 to $50, and provides that the increased cost
shall expire on Aug. 1, 2014. Thereafter, the cost shall be $35 as provided for in present
law.
(Amends R.S. 15:168(B)(1))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Administration of Criminal
Justice to the original bill.
1. Decreased proposed law court cost amount from $55 to $50.
2. Added provision requiring the increased cost to expire on Aug. 1, 2014.