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 174 Engrossed 2018 Regular Session Garofalo
Abstract: Provides continuous revisions to the Code of Civil Procedure.
Present law (C.C.P. Art. 194(6)) provides the orders and judgments that may be signed by the district
judge in chambers but excludes judgments granting or confirming a default.
Proposed law removes the exception under present law and permits final default judgments granting
or confirming preliminary defaults to be signed by the district judge in chambers.
Present law (C.C.P. Art. 853) provides that an exhibit to a pleading is a part of that pleading for all
purposes.
Proposed law deletes the phrase "for all purposes" from present law to resolve an inconsistency with
Article 966(A)(4), which prohibits the filing of exhibits to pleadings in connection with motions for
summary judgment unless the exhibits themselves are properly authenticated.
Present law (C.C.P. Art. 855) provides as a general rule that it is not necessary to allege the capacity
or authority of a party to sue and be sued.
Proposed law recognizes and addresses exceptions to this general rule, such as Article 4061.1, which
requires a natural tutor in some circumstances to allege that he qualifies to act of right as tutor.
Present law (C.C.P. Art. 1471(A)(3)) uses the term "judgment by default" in a manner that is
inconsistent with other provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure.
Proposed law clarifies present law by replacing existing terminology with "final default judgment".
Proposed law also provides that when a final default judgment is rendered as a discovery sanction
against the defendant, the plaintiff must still set forth a prima facie case as required by Article 1702.
Present law (C.C.P. Art. 1913(B)) requires service by the sheriff of the notice of the signing of a final
default judgment when the defendant was not served personally and has filed no exceptions or
answer.
Proposed law retains present law but provides that service by the sheriff is only required when the
defendant did not otherwise make an appearance by filing a pleading. Present law (C.C.P. Art. 1913(C)) requires the clerk of court to mail notice of the signing of a final
default judgment to a defendant who filed no exceptions or answer but who was served personally.
Proposed law clarifies present law by providing that notice of the signing of a final default judgment
shall be mailed by the clerk of court to the defendant unless the defendant was not served personally,
in which case the requirements of Article 1913(B) will apply.
Present law (C.C.P. Art. 3952) uses the term "curator".
Proposed law clarifies present law by replacing "curator" with "attorney" in accordance with Article
5091.
(Amends C.C.P. Arts. 194(6), 853, 855, 1471(A)(intro. para.) and (3), 1913(B) and (C), and 3952)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Civil Law and Procedure to the
original bill:
1. Delete provisions and comments relative to the procedure for class certification in class
actions.
2. Add technical amendments to delete references to the provision of comments to C.C.P.
Art. 966.