Louisiana House Bill HB154

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14
• Report Pass: 3/31/14
• Engrossed: 4/7/14
• Refer: 4/8/14
• Report Pass: 4/29/14
• Refer: 4/30/14
• Report Pass: 5/14/14
• Enrolled: 5/22/14
• Chaptered: 6/4/14
• Passed: 6/4/14

Caption

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

Impact

The bill aims to enhance the financial resources available for the Judicial College, effectively providing ongoing training and support for judges and judicial staff. By increasing court-related fees, the state anticipates raising approximately $648,000 from these additional charges, contributing to a more robust judicial system. This reform is expected to ensure that the courts have the necessary resources to maintain their operations and improve the quality of judicial services across the state.

Summary

House Bill 154 is a piece of legislation enacted in Louisiana that introduces additional court costs across various court systems, including city, parish, district, appellate, and supreme courts. The bill mandates an additional fee of fifty cents for the initial filing of civil and traffic matters in these courts, specifically excluding juvenile and family cases. The collected fees are to be deposited into a special account that funds the general growth and improvement strategies of the Judicial College, which is responsible for training judicial officials and improving the judicial system in Louisiana.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB154 is generally positive among legal professionals and judicial bodies, as it is viewed as a proactive step toward ensuring adequate funding for judicial education and development. However, there may be concerns among the public regarding the increased financial burden associated with court filings, particularly in light of existing legal costs. The overall response indicates a recognition of the necessity for enhanced judicial funding while also balancing public sentiment about affordability in accessing legal services.

Contention

While there may not have been significant public opposition to HB154, the introduction of additional fees can be contentious among certain groups who advocate for more affordable access to the judicial system. Critics could argue that mounting court costs might disproportionately affect low-income individuals seeking justice, thus creating barriers to legal recourse. The discussions leading up to the voting on this bill reflected these nuanced perspectives, emphasizing the need for both judicial funding and equitable access.