GREEN SHEET REDIGEST
HB 69 2015 Regular Session James
(KEYWORD, SUMMARY, AND DIGEST as amended by Senate committee
amendments)
COURTS/CITY. Provides relative to certain courts, court funds, and costs and fees.
DIGEST
Proposed law relative to the Baton Rouge City Court authorizes the clerk of such court to
collect an additional fee not to exceed $10 in all civil filings, subject to the provisions of
present law (C.C.P. Art. 5181), which provides an exception for those individuals who are
unable to pay court costs due to poverty or lack of means.
Proposed law authorizes Baton Rouge City Court judges to assess an additional fee not to
exceed $10 against every defendant in criminal cases, including traffic offenses, who is
convicted after trial or who pleads guilty or forfeits bond.
Proposed law requires the clerk to deposit all funds collected into a separate account (court
technology fund) to be expended solely by the clerk for the acquisition and maintenance of
new and existing electronic case management systems, including costs associated with
professional services, licensing, support, and equipment for such systems, and for technology
enhancements of court operations.
Proposed law requires the adoption of a resolution or ordinance by the local governing
authority prior to the creation of the account and the collection of fees.
Present law relative to the Civil District Court for the parish of Orleans provides procedures,
powers and duties of the court's judicial building fund, including the power to levy certain
additional costs and charges.
Present law provides that if public bids are not let for the construction of a facility by August
15, 2015, the authority to levy such additional costs and charges shall terminate. Proposed
law provides that if by August 15, 2016, neither public bids have been let for construction
nor a lease agreement executed for a privately constructed facility for use as a courthouse,
then the authority to levy such additional costs and charges shall terminate.
Present law provides relative to actions until the bonded indebtedness is paid. Proposed law
includes lease obligations, if the commission leases a privately constructed facility for use
as a courthouse. Also provides for certain actions if the new courthouse is located on
property owned by the city of New Orleans.
(Amends R.S. 13:996.67(A), (B)(1) and (2), (C)(3) and (6) and (D); adds R.S. 13:2002.2)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Clarify that the clerk may impose a fee in all civil cases.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary A to the
reengrossed bill
1. Adds provisions relative to the judicial building fund of the Civil District Court
for the parish of Orleans.
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Prepared by Jerry G. Jones.