Louisiana House Bill HB358

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/31/21
• Refer: 3/31/21
• Refer: 4/12/21
• Report Pass: 5/13/21
• Engrossed: 5/20/21
• Refer: 5/24/21
• Report Pass: 6/2/21
• Enrolled: 6/9/21
• Chaptered: 6/17/21
• Passed: 6/17/21

Caption

Provides relative to the Online Judge Pilot Program (EN NO IMPACT LF EX See Note)

Impact

The implementation of the Online Judge Pilot Program is expected to modernize the judicial process in Louisiana by leveraging technology to expedite litigation. By enabling courts to handle preliminary matters online, the bill facilitates a more efficient resolution of cases, particularly in civil litigation. This change also requires written motions to be filed electronically, adhering to specific guidelines established by the court, which might significantly impact how legal practitioners prepare and submit their cases.

Summary

House Bill 358 establishes the Online Judge Pilot Program in the Twenty-Fourth Judicial District to improve access to justice and streamline judicial processes. The program allows the court to manage preliminary matters online, facilitating asynchronous written arguments while waiving oral arguments unless deemed necessary by the court. The initiative aims to make the judicial system more effective by allowing electronic submission of documents and reducing face-to-face court appearances.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 358 appears to be generally positive, as it aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of the legal system. Advocates for the bill view it as a significant step towards modernizing judicial operations, while some may have reservations regarding the potential challenges for parties with limited access to technology. Overall, the bill is largely supported due to its focus on improving accessibility and responsiveness in legal proceedings.

Contention

Notably, one point of contention regarding HB 358 is the provision allowing parties to opt-out of the online process if they face undue hardship. This raises questions about who may be exempted and how such determinations would be made. Furthermore, the bill will come to an end on August 1, 2025, necessitating future evaluation and potential extension or revision based on its effectiveness during the pilot phase.