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)]
Thierry HB No. 540
Abstract: Authorizes the use of e-mail to provide notice of judgment of bond forfeiture.
Present law requires a commercial surety to inscribe its proper mailing address on the face of the
power of attorney used to execute the bond for declaration of residence.
Proposed law retains present law and adds the option to provide an e-mail address.
Present law requires, after entering the signing of the judgment of bond forfeiture in the court
minutes, the clerk of court to promptly mail notice of the signing of the judgment of bond
forfeiture. Requires the notice of the signing of the judgment to be mailed by U.S. certified mail.
Proposed law retains the provisions of present law and further provides that the clerk of court
may use e-mail to provide notice to the parties.
Proposed law further provides that the clerk shall only use e-mail if the defendant, the personal
surety, the agent, or the bondsman have agreed to receive notice by e-mail and the clerk is in
possession of a valid e-mail address provided by the defendant, the personal surety, the agent, or
the bondsman.
(Amends C.Cr.P. Arts. 322(A) and 349.3)