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)]
Garofalo HB No. 709
Abstract: Authorizes a justice of the peace to perform marriage ceremonies within certain
territorial limits and provides for certain notification requirements.
Present law authorizes a justice of the peace to perform marriage ceremonies within the parish
where the court of that justice of the peace is situated, and in any parish within the same supreme
court district, which has no justice of the peace court.
Proposed law retains present law and adds that a justice of the peace may perform a marriage
ceremony in any parish which has no justice of the peace court.
Present law authorizes a justice of the peace to appoint a person residing within the territorial
boundaries of the court to serve as a justice of the peace ad hoc for a maximum of 30 days in
each year.
Proposed law requires the justice of the peace to notify the office of the attorney general within
72 hours of the appointment and to provide the name, address, and telephone number of the ad
hoc justice of the peace.
Present law provides that the justice of the peace ad hoc shall meet the qualifications required by
law for the office of justice of the peace and be paid the same compensation from the same
sources and have the powers and duties of a regular justice of the peace.
Proposed law retains present law.
(Amends R.S. 9:203(A)(5) and R.S. 13:2592(A))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Judiciary to the original bill.
1. Made technical amendments.