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)]
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP ORT DIGEST
HB 69 2015 Regular Session James
Keyword and oneliner of the instrument as it left the House
COURTS/CITY: Provides for the collection of additional court costs in Baton Rouge City Court
to fund technology enhancements
Report rejects Senate amendments which would have:
1. Added provisions to extend authority for the Orleans Civil District clerk of court to collect
certain court costs and service charges until lease obligations are paid.
2. Added an alternative that certain costs and charges be imposed by the clerk if the
commission leases a privately constructed facility for use as a courthouse and such lease
agreement is executed.
3. Required issues related to the ownership and liability for maintenance and operation
expenses to be provided for in the lease or sublease of the courthouse or by cooperative
endeavor agreement between the commission and Orleans Parish only if the new courthouse
is located on property owned by the city of New Orleans.
4. Changed the termination date for the collection of costs and charges from Aug. 15, 2015 to
Aug. 15, 2016, and added the alternative for the execution of a lease agreement for the
privately constructed facility for use as a courthouse by Aug. 15, 2016.
Digest of the bill as proposed by the Conference Committee
Proposed law authorizes the clerk of the Baton Rouge City 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.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 13:2002.2)