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 123 Original 2025 Regular Session Carlson
Abstract: Provides for the time within which governmental entities are required to pay court costs.
Present law provides that the state, any political subdivision, and any agent, officer, or employee of
any such governmental entity when acting within the scope and authority of such employment or
when discharging his official duties may temporarily defer court costs.
Proposed law provides that "court costs" include costs, user fees, and recording fees charged by each
clerk of court for electronic filing of civil and criminal pleadings, fees for electronic filing of
documents, and related convenience, transaction, or service fees for electronic filings.
Present law provides that it shall be the responsibility of the governmental entities who temporarily
defer costs as set forth in present law to pay any deferred costs assessed against them or their agents,
officers, or employees within 30 days of the judgment becoming final or to assist in the collection
of court costs due by the opposing litigants by requesting the court to tax costs in accordance with
present law.
Proposed law removes the 30-day period within which to pay the deferred court costs and further
provides that when a judgment is rendered against the state, political subdivision, or agent, officer,
or employee thereof, the costs shall not be payable to the clerk of court until the judgment becomes
final and definitive under the provisions of present law or is otherwise nonappealable or
nonreviewable, and until all issues in the judicial proceeding are adjudicated.
(Amends R.S. 13:4521(B); Adds R.S. 13:4521(A)(6))