RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 409 (HB 358) 2021 Regular Session Edmonds
New 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.
New law authorizes each division of the 24th JDC to establish a process to handle any
preliminary matter exclusively online.
New 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.
New 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.
New 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.
New 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.
New 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.
New 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. New 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.
New 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.
New law provides that the pilot program terminates on Aug. 1, 2025.
Effective August 1, 2021.
(Adds R.S. 13:621.24.2)