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 507 Original 2021 Regular Session Crews
Abstract: Authorizes electronic filings in criminal cases.
Present law (C.Cr.P. Art. 14.1) provides that any document in a traffic or criminal action may be
filed with the clerk of court by facsimile transmission if permitted by the policy of the clerk of court.
Present law provides that a filing shall be deemed complete at the time the facsimile transmission
is received by the clerk of court and provides additional requirements for facsimile filing.
Present law provides that if the filing party fails to comply with any of the requirements of present
law, the facsimile filing shall have no force or effect.
Present law provides that each clerk of court shall make available the necessary equipment and
supplies to accommodate facsimile filing in criminal actions.
Present law (C.C.P. Art. 253(B)) provides that civil court filings may be transmitted electronically
in accordance with a system established by a clerk of court or by the La. Clerks' Remote Access
Authority, and further provides that when such a system is established, the clerk of court shall adopt
and implement procedures for the electronic filing and storage of any pleading, document, or exhibit.
Present law (C.C.P. Art. 253(B)) provides that the official record shall be the electronic record, and
that a pleading or document filed electronically is deemed filed on the date and time stated on the
confirmation of electronic filing sent from the system, if the clerk of court accepts the electronic
filing.
Proposed law retains present law and adopts for criminal court filings the same authorization as for
present law civil court electronic filings.
(Adds C.Cr.P. Art. 14.1(F))