HLS 12RS-1319 ENGROSSED
Page 1 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE BILL NO. 592
BY REPRESENTATIVE JAY MORRIS
COURTS/DISTRICT: Provides for special divisions or sections in district courts
AN ACT1
To amend and reenact R.S. 13:587.2(A) and 587.4(A), relative to district courts; to provide2
relative to designation of speciality divisions or sections in district courts; to provide3
relative to the designation of a special division or section of the Fourth Judicial4
District Court; and to provide for related matters.5
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:6
Section 1. R.S. 13:587.2(A) and 587.4(A) are hereby amended and reenacted to read7
as follows:8
§587.2. Fourth Judicial District; divisions; subject matter9
A. Respecting seniority and the requirement that all cases be assigned10
randomly within multi-judge sections, the judges of the Fourth Judicial District11
Court, by rule adopted by a majority vote of the judges sitting en banc, may assign12
certain divisions of the court to a criminal section and certain divisions to a civil,13
drug court, driving while intoxicated court, mental health court, juvenile, or other14
section of the court. designate a certain division or section of the court as a15
specialized division or section having criminal, civil, drug court, driving while16
intoxicated court, mental health court, misdemeanor, traffic, juvenile, violent crimes17
or homicides, or other specialized subject matter jurisdiction.18
* * *19
§587.4. District courts; specialized divisions or sections; subject matter20
A. Respecting seniority and the requirement that all cases be assigned21
randomly within multi-judge divisions or sections, the judges of any judicial district22 HLS 12RS-1319 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 592
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
court, by rule adopted by a majority vote of the judges sitting en banc, may designate1
certain a certain division or divisions or sections of the court as a specialized division2
or section having criminal, civil, drug court, driving while intoxicated court, mental3
health court, misdemeanor, traffic, juvenile, violent crimes or homicides, or other4
specialized subject matter jurisdiction.5
* * *6
Section 2. This Act shall become effective upon signature by the governor or, if not7
signed by the governor, upon expiration of the time for bills to become law without signature8
by the governor, as provided by Article III, Section 18 of the Constitution of Louisiana. If9
vetoed by the governor and subsequently approved by the legislature, this Act shall become10
effective on the day following such approval.11
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)]
Jay Morris HB No. 592
Abstract: Authorizes district courts to assign sections or divisions of court with specialized
subject matter jurisdiction.
Present law authorizes judges of the 4
th
JDC to assign certain divisions or sections of the
court with subject matter jurisdiction over criminal, civil, drug court, driving while
intoxicated court, mental health court, juvenile, or other specialized subject matter
jurisdiction.
Proposed law retains present law and adds authority to create a section or division for violent
crimes, homicides, misdemeanors, and traffic offenses.
Present law authorizes judges from any judicial district to assign certain divisions or sections
of the court with subject matter jurisdiction over criminal, civil, drug court, driving while
intoxicated court, mental health court, juvenile, violent crimes or homicides, or other
specialized subject matter jurisdiction.
Proposed law retains present law and adds authority to create a section or division for
misdemeanors and traffic offenses.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 13:587.2(A) and 587.4(A))