Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SB193

Introduced
4/8/13  
Introduced
4/8/13  
Refer
4/8/13  

Caption

Provides for a statewide increase in court costs in city, parish, district, appellate, and supreme courts. (2/3-CA7s2.1) (8/1/13) (OR +$1,400,000 SG RV See Note)

Impact

The introduction of these additional fees is expected to significantly supplement the funding for the Judicial College, which is crucial for maintaining and elevating the standards of judicial education and training in the state. Given that the fees are applicable across multiple court systems, the overall financial impact could be substantial, potentially generating around $1,400,000 in additional revenue for the state. This legislative change could streamline the funding processes for judicial education, ensuring that the judiciary can effectively serve the public while adapting to changing legal complexities.

Summary

Senate Bill 193 aims to implement a statewide increase in court costs across various courts in Louisiana, including city, parish, district, appellate, and supreme courts. Specifically, the bill introduces an additional fee of one dollar for the initial filing of writs or appeals in civil cases, with this fee not applying to juvenile or family cases. The revenue generated from these fees will be allocated to the Louisiana Judicial College, which uses the funds to support its overall growth and program improvement initiatives, enhancing the education and training of judges and court personnel.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 193 appears to be generally supportive, particularly from those advocating for enhanced judicial training and resource allocation. Proponents highlight the importance of providing adequate funding for judicial education, which is essential for upholding the quality of the legal system. However, there may also be concerns regarding the financial burdens placed on individuals seeking to navigate the civil court system, particularly for those who may already face challenges in affording legal representation and filing fees.

Contention

While the bill seems to receive support for its intended purposes, it may encounter some contention regarding the implications of imposing additional costs on court users. Critics could argue that increasing court fees may inhibit access to justice, especially for low-income individuals who need to file civil actions. There is also potential for debate about the necessity of these additional funds and whether alternative funding sources could be identified that do not place additional financial strain on citizens seeking legal recourse.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HB154

Provides for a statewide increase in court costs in city, parish, district, appellate, and supreme courts (EN +$648,000 SG RV See Note)

LA HB224

Provides with respect to court costs collected on civil filings to fund the Judicial College (EN INCREASE SG RV See Note)

LA SB124

Increases certain fees and court costs levied by the Criminal District Court for the Parish of Orleans. (2/3-CA7s2.1) (gov sig) (EN INCREASE LF RV See Note)

LA SB145

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)

LA HB842

Provides relative to the assessment, collection, and distribution of certain court costs and fees in the parish of Orleans (EN NO IMPACT LF RV See Note)

LA SB253

Provides for an increase in certain criminal court costs in the Thirty-First Judicial District Court. (8/1/14) (EN INCREASE LF RV See Note)

LA SB155

Increases certain filing fees and costs levied by Louisiana Supreme Court. (gov sig) (2/3 - CA7s2.1) (EN +$135,000 SG RV See Note)

LA HB410

Relating to the administration and operation of the appellate judicial system for the Second Court of Appeals District; changing an appellate judicial system court costs fee in certain counties.

LA HB52

Provides for an increase in court costs in the Traffic Court of New Orleans (EN +$2,100,000 LF RV See Note)

LA HB155

Provides for a statewide revision of court reporter fees (RE INCREASE LF RV See Note)

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Provides for a statewide increase in court costs in city, parish, district, appellate, and supreme courts (EN +$648,000 SG RV See Note)

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