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)]
Alfred Williams HB No. 395
Abstract: Provides that penalties for contempt of court may include court-approved litter
abatement or community service.
Present law provides that the supreme court, the courts of appeal, the district courts, family
courts, juvenile courts, and the city courts may punish a person adjudged guilty of a contempt of
court for certain actions, including direct contempt of court committed by an attorney at law, and
for disobeying or resisting a lawful restraining order, or preliminary or permanent injunction.
Present law provides a range of monetary penalties and days of imprisonment for each type of
contempt and for any subsequent contempt of the same court.
Present law provides that the court may punish a person for any other contempt of court,
including disobeying an order for the payment of child support or spousal support or an order for
the right of custody or visitation, by a fine of not more than $500, or imprisonment for not more
than three months, or both.
Proposed law provides that, in addition to or in lieu of the penalties provided by present law,
the penalties for contempt of court may include court-approved litter abatement or community
service, not to exceed the maximum sentence as provided by present law.
(Amends R.S. 13:4611(1)(d))