Louisiana House Bill HB76

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/16
• Refer: 2/10/16
• Refer: 3/14/16
• Report Pass: 3/31/16
• Engrossed: 4/11/16
• Refer: 4/12/16
• Report Pass: 5/10/16
• Enrolled: 5/18/16
• Chaptered: 5/26/16
• Passed: 5/26/16

Caption

Provides for the functions of jury commissions in East Feliciana Parish and West Feliciana Parish

Impact

The bill's enactment is expected to have a significant impact on the local judicial processes in both parishes. By empowering the clerks of court with jury commission duties, HB76 reduces the number of entities involved in the jury selection process. This could lead to a more efficient and consistent jury process, addressing potential administrative issues that might arise from having a separate jury commission. The clerks will handle all matters related to jury venires, ensuring adherence to the standards that govern jury management.

Summary

House Bill 76, introduced by Representative Havard, aims to restructure the jury commission system in East Feliciana and West Feliciana Parishes. The bill transfers the responsibilities and functions of the jury commission to the clerks of court in these parishes. This change seeks to streamline the jury selection process by consolidating the power to manage jury venires with the clerks of court, who will then execute these duties in accordance with existing laws governing jury commissioners.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB76 appears to be largely positive, particularly among judicial administrators who anticipate improved efficiency and clarity in the jury selection process. Stakeholders generally support the idea of centralizing the management of jury commissions within the established office of the clerk of court, viewing it as a sensible reallocation of responsibilities that aligns with administrative best practices. However, there may be concerns about whether this change could lead to the clerks being overburdened with additional responsibilities without sufficient resources.

Contention

Notable points of contention around the bill may arise from discussions regarding the adequacy of resources provided to clerks of court to perform their new duties effectively. Critics may argue that transferring these functions could stretch the clerks' capabilities too thin, especially in instances where clerks are already managing a wide array of court-related responsibilities. Ensuring that adequate training and resources are available will likely be crucial in addressing any potential pushback or concerns regarding the implementation of the bill.