Louisiana House Bill HB729

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/26/18
• Refer: 3/27/18

Caption

Provides relative to bail bond premium fees in certain parishes (OR INCREASE LF RV See Note)

Impact

The impact of HB 729 is particularly significant in the larger parishes, as it not only raises the cost for bail bonds but also redistributes these fees to various legal funds. One dollar from each premium fee collected will be allocated to the indigent defender fund, while the remaining amount will be divided among the judicial expense fund, the sheriff's general fund, and the district attorney's operating fund within the parish. This change is expected to provide crucial support for legal services for lower-income individuals who cannot afford legal representation.

Summary

House Bill 729 aims to adjust bail bond premium fees in Louisiana, specifically targeting parishes with populations exceeding 440,000. The bill proposes an increase in the fee from the current $2.00 to $3.00 for every $100 worth of liability underwritten by commercial sureties. This increase is designed to enhance the funding for public defense services by mandating that part of the collected fee be directed to the indigent defender fund within the respective judicial districts. The proposed law retains existing regulations while establishing new funding streams to support indigent defense services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be generally supportive from those advocating for enhanced support to public defense systems, reflecting a recognition of the need for adequate legal representation for indigent defendants. However, there may also be concerns from commercial sureties and other stakeholders regarding the increased fees that could affect the accessibility of bail for defendants. This dual perspective indicates a complex balance between raising necessary funds for public services and maintaining affordable bail options.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the implications of raising the bail bond premium fee within greater Louisiana parishes. While the increase aims to provide funds for public defenders, some critics may argue that the heightened costs could inadvertently create barriers for individuals needing to secure bail. Additionally, there may be discussions related to the efficiency and effectiveness of distributing these newly collected funds, ensuring they fulfill the intended purpose of improving legal defense services for those in need.