Louisiana House Bill HB1107

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/31/14
• Refer: 4/1/14
• Report Pass: 4/28/14
• Engrossed: 5/6/14
• Refer: 5/7/14
• Report Pass: 5/19/14
• Enrolled: 5/27/14
• Chaptered: 6/18/14
• Passed: 6/18/14

Caption

Authorizes the collection of court costs in the 24th JDC and parish courts within Jefferson Parish to fund certain specialized divisions (EN +$171,300 LF RV See Note)

Impact

The passage of HB 1107 would influence state laws by creating a dedicated fund to manage the additional revenues from these imposed costs. Courts would be required to use the collected fees exclusively for funding programs that support alcohol treatment and administrative expenses related to alcohol offenses. This financial mechanism aims to provide resources for specialized divisions that focus on addressing alcohol-related crimes, which may contribute to improved judicial outcomes and enhanced public safety.

Summary

House Bill 1107 is a proposed legislation in Louisiana that aims to enhance the judicial processes within district and parish courts, specifically concerning alcohol-related offenses. The bill permits judges in the Twenty-Fourth Judicial District Court and specialized courts in Jefferson Parish to impose additional costs on individuals convicted of certain alcohol-related violations. This includes offenses like driving under the influence and public intoxication, with additional fees ranging from $25 to $100 depending on the specific violation. The intent is to support specialized court divisions that handle these cases more effectively.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB 1107 reflect a generally supportive sentiment among lawmakers focused on improving judicial efficiency and health outcomes. Proponents argue that dedicated funding for specialized divisions equips courts to better deal with alcohol-related cases and subsequently reduce recidivism rates. However, there is potential contention from those who may view increased costs on offenders as an unfair financial burden, leading to discussions around the equity of such additional financial penalties.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns about the impact of imposing new financial obligations on individuals who may already be struggling with alcohol-related problems. Some lawmakers predict this could create barriers to justice, particularly for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The bill's supporters counter this by emphasizing the long-term benefits of investing in specialized alcohol programs, suggesting that these programs could ultimately reduce costs associated with repeat offenses and enhance community safety.