HLS 16RS-1009 ENGROSSED
2016 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 547
BY REPRESENTATIVE JACKSON
CRIMINAL/PROCEDURE: Provides for the development of a uniform form for
determining indigency of an accused person
1 AN ACT
2To enact R.S. 15:175(D), relative to public defender services; to provide with respect to
3 determinations of indigency; to authorize the adoption of a uniform form to be used
4 in determining indigency; and to provide for related matters.
5Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
6 Section 1. R.S. 15:175(D) is hereby enacted to read as follows:
7 ยง175. Proceedings to determine indigency
8 * * *
9 D. The judicial administrator for the Louisiana Supreme Court shall develop
10 a form to be used by the court in determining indigency. The form, at a minimum,
11 shall include the following determinations by the court:
12 (1) Whether the defendant receives any form of public assistance.
13 (2) The occupational status of the defendant and income, if any.
14 (3) Whether the payment of legal fees would deprive the defendant or his
15 dependents of necessities of life including clothing, shelter, or food.
16 (4) Whether the defendant is eligible for indigent defender services based
17 upon the defendant's income and assets.
Page 1 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions. HLS 16RS-1009 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 547
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)]
HB 547 Engrossed 2016 Regular Session Jackson
Abstract: Provides for the development of a form by the La. Supreme Court to be used in
determining indigent status of an accused person.
Present law provides for representation of defendants who are indigent and requires the court
to determine indigency.
Proposed law requires the judicial administrator of the La. Supreme Court to develop a form
to be used by the court in determining indigency. Provides for the contents of the form.
(Adds R.S. 15:175(D))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Administration of
Criminal Justice to the original bill:
1. Removes references to the indigency review panel in proposed law.
2. Adds a provision requiring the judicial administrator of the La. Supreme Court
to develop a form to be used by the court to determine indigency.
Page 2 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.