Louisiana 2019 2019 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB220 Comm Sub / Analysis

                    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 220 Original	2019 Regular Session	Muscarello
Abstract:  Authorizes the mayor's courts to collect fines, forfeitures, penalties, and costs and
provides a means of payment for such fines, forfeitures, penalties, and costs.
Present law requires the clerk of city court or the marshal to collect all fines, forfeitures, penalties,
and costs. 
Present law requires all funds collected, except for costs, to be paid into the city treasury when the
prosecution is on behalf of the city and into the parish treasury to be deposited in the parish general
fund when the prosecution is on behalf of the state or parish. 
Present law provides different methods for payment of fines and provides for a processing fee for
certain transactions, which cannot exceed five percent of the amount of taxes and any penalties or
interest paid.
Present law further provides that the fee shall be in addition to the amount of the fines, forfeitures,
penalties, or costs.
Proposed law retains present law and adds a provision that allows mayor's courts to collect fines,
forfeitures, penalties, and costs.  Proposed law also authorizes mayor's courts to accept such
payments via credit card or electronic check, and to collect a processing fee consistent with present
law.
(Amends R.S. 13:1898(A) and (C))