SSHB358 4274 3836
HOUSE SUMMARY OF SENATE AMENDMENTS
HB 358 2021 Regular Session Edmonds
COURTS: Provides relative to the Online Judge Pilot Program
Synopsis of Senate Amendments
1.Removes the ability of the La. Supreme Court to approve additional courts for
entry into the Online Judge Pilot Program.
2.Sunsets the program on Aug. 1, 2025.
Digest of Bill as Finally Passed by Senate
Proposed law authorizes the 24th JDC to establish the Online Judge Pilot Program as an
effort to improve access to justice and create a more efficient and effective justice system.
Proposed law authorizes each division of the 24th JDC to establish a process to handle any
preliminary matter exclusively online.
Proposed law provides that the court may order the parties to any civil case to participate in
the program unless the parties have opted out or have been exempted by the court due to an
undue hardship.
Proposed law provides that any party who wishes to opt out of the program shall file a
written motion to opt out within 10 days after service of the order.
Proposed law provides that an undue hardship exists when a party cannot access the online
system or participate in the program without substantial difficulty or expense as determined
by the court.
Proposed law provides for the waiver of oral arguments and referral of all motions and
exceptions to the Online Judge Pilot Program, unless the court determines that oral
arguments or witness testimony are necessary.
Proposed law provides for procedures regarding how written arguments, motions, and
objections are to be handled through the Online Judge Pilot Program. Provides for
admissibility and presentation of evidence.
Proposed law provides that all messages related to a hearing held through the Online Judge
Pilot Program shall be considered part of the court record and may be used for any purpose
after certification by the court reporter. Proposed law provides that any issue discussed
during the pretrial conference through the Online Judge Pilot Program may not be used as
evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding.
Proposed law provides that every pleading following the original petition, including a
pleading or order that sets a court date, shall be served by transmitting an electronic copy to
all parties through the Online Judge Pilot Program.
Proposed law provides that the pilot program terminates on Aug. 1, 2025.
(Adds R.S. 13:621.24.2)
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