Louisiana House Bill HR33

Louisiana 2020 2nd Special Session

• Introduced: 10/20/20
• Passed: 10/21/20

Caption

Requests the Judicial Council to study the feasibility of dividing the 15th Judicial District into two separate judicial districts

Impact

The passage of HR33 does not directly alter state laws but initiates a procedural step to explore potential changes in the jurisdiction structure within the Fifteenth Judicial District. Should the Judicial Council endorse the division, it could lead to legislative changes that would reshape judicial administration and operations within the affected parishes, improving case management and accessibility to judicial resources. This restructuring could mean more focused local courts addressing the unique needs of their respective communities.

Summary

House Resolution 33, introduced by Representative Stefanski, urges the Judicial Council of the Supreme Court of Louisiana to study the feasibility of splitting the Fifteenth Judicial District into two separate judicial districts. The proposed division would categorize Acadia and Vermilion Parishes into one district while organizing Lafayette Parish into another. The resolution acknowledges an apparent need for such a separation and calls for comprehensive research to determine its viability while adhering to existing guidelines related to judicial district division.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR33 appears to be, for the most part, supportive among legislators who wish to improve the efficiency of the judicial system. The resolution was passed unanimously with a vote of 89-0, indicating a lack of contention or significant opposition within the legislature regarding the necessity of conducting a feasibility study. This consensus demonstrates a collaborative effort to assess district management and judicial access in response to potentially increasing demands on the courts.

Contention

While HR33 presents a straightforward request for a feasibility study, the underlying issue revolves around the administrative impacts a division could have on local judicial systems. Although the resolution itself experienced no opposition, the eventual outcome depends on the findings of the Judicial Council and subsequent legislative discussions. Concerns could arise if financial implications or logistical challenges from splitting the district emerge, potentially leading to further debates on resource allocation and judicial operations.