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 659 Engrossed 2016 Regular Session James
Abstract: Increases the maximum fee that can be collected by a collection agency for the payment
of certain overdue fines, forfeitures, penalties, and costs.
Present law authorizes the clerk of a city court, a marshal, or a private collection agency as
authorized by contract to collect all fines, forfeitures, penalties, and costs, and provides that all funds
so collected, excluding costs, shall be paid into the city treasury or parish treasury, depending on
whose behalf the money is being collected.
Present law authorizes the clerk of the city court or the marshal to accept payment by credit card or
electronic check for all fines, forfeitures, penalties, and costs, and authorizes the collection of a
processing fee not to exceed 5% of the amount of taxes and any penalties or interest being paid.
Proposed law retains present law.
Proposed law authorizes a private collection agency to charge a collection fee on unpaid fines,
forfeitures, penalties, or costs not to exceed 25% of the balance owed.
(Amends R.S. 13:1898(C); Adds R.S. 13:1898(D))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Judiciary to the original bill:
1. Removes proposed law provisions regarding the 25% processing fee on fines, forfeitures,
penalties, or costs paid by credit card or electronic check, and reinstates the present
law 5% fee.
2. Provides that if fines, forfeitures, penalties, or costs are overdue, a private collection
agency may charge a collection fee not to exceed 25% of the balance owed.