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 295 Engrossed 2019 Regular Session Hill
Abstract: Establishes the magistrate judge position in the Fourteenth Judicial District Court and
provides for the qualifications, duties, term, salary, and election of the magistrate judge.
Proposed law provides for the creation of the magistrate judge of the 14th JDC, 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 14th JDC. The magistrate judge will have jurisdiction over criminal
matters that do not involve certain felony matters.
Proposed law provides that the elected term of the magistrate judge begins on Jan. 1, 2021. The
magistrate judge shall serve for a term of six years, the position shall be full-time, and the magistrate
judge is prohibited from practicing law.
Proposed law requires the magistrate judge to possess the same qualifications of a district court judge
as outlined in Article V, Section 24 of the Constitution of Louisiana.
(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. Make technical changes.
2. Outline the required qualifications for all magistrate judge candidates.