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)]
Pearson HB No. 527
Abstract: Provides for two judgeships and their respective jurisdictions for the 22nd Judicial
District.
Present law provides for 12 judges for the 22nd JDC for the parishes of St. Tammany and
Washington.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law (uncodified law) creates two additional district judgeships for the 22nd JDC and
provides for their respective divisions and specific subject matter jurisdiction.
Proposed law codifies present law and creates two additional district judgeships for the 22nd
JDC for the parishes of St. Tammany and Washington.
Proposed law provides for the two judgeships to preside over Divisions K and L respectively
with subject matter jurisdiction limited to family and juvenile matters.
Proposed law provides the term "family and juvenile matters" to include all actions arising under
Titles IV, V, and VII of Book I, and Title VI of Book III of the La. Civ. Code, and ancillaries, the
Louisiana Children's Code, adoptions under the La. Civ. Code, actions involving protection from
family violence pursuant to current law (R.S. 46:2131 et seq.) and actions for enforcement,
collection of support, and paternity pursuant to present law (R.S. 46:236.5) and actions involving
and incidental to certain matters.
Proposed law authorizes subject matter jurisdiction of Divisions K and L to include contempt,
civil warrants, writs of habeas corpus, curatorship, change of name, prenuptial or separate
property agreements, interspousal donations, lesions, and challenge to consent judgment.
Proposed law provides that the judges and their successors will be elected in the same manner
and serve the same terms of office, and receive the same compensation and expenses as the other
judges of the 22nd JDC.
Proposed law prohibits the jurisdiction or term of office of any other judge from being affected or
reduced by the creation of the judgeships.
Proposed law requires prospective and retroactive application and includes all actions taken by Divisions K and L of the 22nd JDC.
Proposed law provides for a severability clause.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 13:621.22; Repeals Section 2 of Act No. 344 of the 2008 R.S.)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Judiciary to the original bill.
1. Made technical amendments.