SLS 12RS-878 ENGROSSED
Page 1 of 2
Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
Regular Session, 2012
SENATE BILL NO. 509
BY SENATOR CLAITOR
CIVIL PROCEDURE. Provides relative to service of citation by certified mail in justice of
the peace courts. (8/1/12)
AN ACT1
To enact Code of Civil Procedure Article 4919(D), relative to service of citation in justice2
of the peace courts; to provide for service by certified mail; to provide relative to3
service under certain terms, procedures, and conditions; and to provide for related4
matters.5
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:6
Section 1. Code of Civil Procedure Article 4919(D) is enacted to read as follows:7
Art. 4919. Citation; service of citation; justice of the peace courts; district courts8
with concurrent jurisdiction 9
* * *10
D. Service of citation or other process may be made by the court by11
certified mail, with return receipt requested.12
(1) If the properly addressed certified mail return receipt reply form is13
signed by the addressee/defendant, service shall be considered personal service.14
(2) If the properly addressed certified mail return receipt reply form is15
signed by a person other than the defendant, service shall be considered16
domiciliary service.17 SB NO. 509
SLS 12RS-878 ENGROSSED
Page 2 of 2
Coding: Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;
words in boldface type and underscored are additions.
The original instrument was prepared by Julie J. Baxter. The following
digest, which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was
prepared by Jerry G. Jones.
DIGEST
Claitor (SB 509)
Proposed law provides relative to the manner in which justice of the peace courts may make
service of citation or other process. Proposed law provides that such service may be made
by the court by certified mail, with return receipt requested.
Proposed law provides that if the properly addressed certified mail return receipt reply form
is signed by the addressee/defendant, service shall be considered personal service. Further
provides that if such return receipt reply form is signed by a person other than the defendant,
such service shall be considered domiciliary service.
Effective August 1, 2012.
(Adds C.C.P. Art. 4919(D))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary A to the
original bill.
1. Deleted language relative to service of the notice of judgment and certain
circumstances under which service would be considered domiciliary service.