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)]
Abramson HB No. 623
Abstract: Provides for the contingent consent by the parties litigant to the appointment of a
special master.
Present law provides that pursuant to the inherent judicial power of the court and upon its own
motion and with the consent of all parties litigant, the court may enter an order appointing a
special master in any civil action wherein complicated legal or factual issues are presented or
wherein exceptional circumstances of the case warrant such appointment.
Proposed law retains present law and provides that the consent of the parties litigant may be
contingent upon an estimate of the amount of the compensation of the special master, the identity
of the special master, and the court's anticipated specifications of the powers of the special
master.
Present law provides that the master's compensation shall be reasonable, fixed by the court, and
taxed as costs of court.
Proposed law retains present law and provides that the compensation shall be subject to approval
by the parties litigant as provided by proposed law.
Proposed law provides that the provisions of proposed law shall be the sole authority and
procedure for the appointment, duties, powers, and compensation of a special master.
(Amends R.S. 13:4165(A) and (D); Adds R.S. 13:4165(E))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure to the
original bill.
1. Added language providing that proposed law shall be the sole authority to appoint a
special master.