Increases the fees for the Alexandria City Marshal in criminal matters
Impact
The implementation of HB 51 is expected to have a positive impact on the funding and operations of the city marshal's office. By authorizing the collection of an appearance bond fee, the bill enables the marshal to support the office's expenses more effectively. Additionally, the bill ensures that the funds collected will be subject to annual audits, providing transparency and accountability regarding their use. However, the bill also maintains that the responsibilities of financing the marshal's office by the city and parish governing authorities remain unchanged.
Summary
House Bill 51 focuses on updating the provisions related to the marshal of the city court of Alexandria. Specifically, the bill authorizes the city marshal to collect a fee of thirty dollars for taking an appearance bond when required. The funds collected from this fee will be added to the marshal's general fund to help support operational expenses of the marshal's office. This change is aimed at providing additional financial resources to the marshal's office, allowing for more effective management and operations.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment around HB 51 appears to be supportive among the legislative members voting on it, as evidenced by the overwhelming approval in the House vote, with 83 yeas to just 3 nays. The bill is seen as a necessary measure to enhance the operational capacity of the city marshal in Alexandria. However, there may be some concerns regarding the financial implications for individuals who may be required to pay the new bond fee, although this does not seem to have generated significant opposition during the voting process.
Contention
Notably, one point of contention regarding HB 51 revolves around the approval requirements for the imposition of fees. The bill stipulates that no fees shall be collected without a recommendation from the Judicial Council that meets applicable guidelines. This requirement aims to ensure a standardized approach to court-related fees, potentially serving as a safeguard against arbitrary fee increases, but it also places a procedural hurdle before the implementation of the new fees, which could delay their collection.
Increases the rate of the excise tax on vapor products and electronic cigarettes and dedicates a portion of the avails of such increase to payment of salaries and related benefits for La. State Police (EN -$5,000,000 GF RV See Note)
Limits the fees assessed by the office of debt recovery on delinquent debt that originates from certain criminal fines, fees, and costs (OR DECREASE SG RV See Note)