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 538 Reengrossed 2018 Regular Session Dwight
Abstract: Establishes the magistrate judge position in the Fourteenth Judicial District Court and
provides for duties, salary, and election of the magistrate judge.
Proposed law provides for the creation of the magistrate judge of the Fourteenth Judicial District
Court, to be elected from election sections one and three combined. The salary of this position shall
be equal to 75% of the salary paid to judges of the Fourteenth Judicial District Court. The magistrate
judge will have jurisdiction over criminal matters that do not include jury trials or felony guilty pleas.
Additionally, the magistrate judge will have jurisdiction over all specialty or problem solving courts.
Proposed law provides that the elected term of the magistrate judge begins on Jan. 1, 2021. The
magistrate judge will serve for a term of 6 years, the position shall be full-time, and the magistrate
judge will not be able to practice law.
(Adds R.S. 13:589)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Judiciary to the original bill:
1. Change the title of the office from magistrate to magistrate judge.
2. Provide that the elected term shall start Jan. 1, 2021, and will allow the magistrate judge
to serve for 6 years. Add that the position will be full-time and the magistrate judge will
not be able to practice law.
3. Authorize the magistrate judge to have jurisdiction over specialty courts created after the
effective date of proposed law.
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Appropriations to the engrossed
bill:
1. Eliminate duplicative language.