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 221 Reengrossed 2019 Regular Session Stefanski
Abstract: Expands the jurisdiction of mayor's courts to include the collection of certain utility
debts.
Proposed law expands the current jurisdiction of mayor's courts to allow for the collection of
municipal utility debts. This jurisdiction shall be concurrent with the district courts where the
amount in question does not exceed $5,000. If the amount in question exceeds the jurisdictional
limits of the mayor's court, the action shall be transferred to a court of proper jurisdiction.
Additionally, the court shall appoint a lawyer to serve as a court magistrate to hear all civil utility
debt suits. This magistrate will have the ability to impose court costs against the debtor not to
exceed $35.
Proposed law provides that any person against whom a judgment is rendered in a mayor’s court shall
have the right of direct appeal to the district court for the parish in which the mayor’s court is
situated which shall be tried de novo. Proposed law requires the appeal to be filed within ten days
of the date of the judgment and authorizes the district court to assess costs as authorized by law to
the party against whom judgment is rendered.
Proposed law provides that there shall be no prepayment of court costs once the appellant has been
determined to be indigent. The judge shall inform the appellant of his right to appeal.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 33:441(A)(5))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Allow the appellant to appeal at no prepayment of court cost once the appellant has been
determined to be indigent.
2. Require the judge to inform the appellant of his rights.