Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB69

Introduced
3/9/15  
Refer
3/9/15  
Refer
3/9/15  
Refer
4/13/15  
Report Pass
4/22/15  
Report Pass
4/22/15  
Engrossed
5/20/15  
Engrossed
5/20/15  
Refer
5/21/15  
Refer
5/21/15  
Report Pass
6/2/15  
Report Pass
6/2/15  
Enrolled
6/11/15  
Enrolled
6/11/15  
Chaptered
7/1/15  
Passed
7/1/15  

Caption

Provides for the collection of additional court costs in Baton Rouge City Court to fund technology enhancements (EN +$484,000 LF RV See Note)

Impact

The implementation of HB 69 is expected to create a dedicated revenue stream for the Baton Rouge City Court's technology fund. This fund will be utilized exclusively for acquiring and maintaining new and existing technology systems necessary for improved court operations. It is anticipated that the enhancements supported by these fees will streamline court processes and contribute to more efficient management of cases, ultimately benefiting both the court and public access to justice.

Summary

House Bill 69 aims to provide for the collection of additional court costs specifically for the Baton Rouge City Court. The bill authorizes the court clerk to impose an additional fee not exceeding ten dollars for all civil cases where the court holds jurisdiction. Additionally, judges may impose a similar fee in criminal cases, including traffic offenses, for defendants convicted after a trial or who plead guilty. This initiative is intended to fund technological enhancements and maintenance of electronic case management systems within the court system.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 69 appears to be largely supportive, as evidenced by the legislative voting history—28 votes in favor and only one against. Proponents of the bill argue that investing in court technology is crucial for modernizing the judicial process and improving service delivery to the public. However, there may be concerns around the imposition of additional fees, particularly from those who believe that increasing costs could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals seeking legal recourse.

Contention

There may be notable discussions around the fairness of imposing additional fees on court users, especially in civil and criminal cases. This legislation reflects broader themes in judicial funding, balancing the need for resources to modernize court systems against the risks of placing financial burdens on those who are already navigating complex legal challenges. The requirement for approval from local governing authorities to create the fee structure may serve as a check on its implementation, encouraging transparency and accountability.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HB489

Provides relative to court costs in the Family Court of East Baton Rouge Parish (EN INCREASE LF RV See Note)

LA HB722

Provides for an additional fee to be assessed on criminal bonds posted in the city court of Baton Rouge (EN +$165,480 LF RV See Note)

LA HB653

Provides relative to court costs in the Family Court of East Baton Rouge Parish (EGF INCREASE LF RV See Note)

LA HB202

Provides relative to fees for the City Court of Hammond (EN INCREASE LF RV See Note)

LA SB478

Authorizes the levy of a warrant recall fee in all courts in East Baton Rouge Parish to fund a misdemeanor jail. (8/1/14) (EN INCREASE LF RV See Note)

LA HB218

Provides relative to Baton Rouge City Court probation officers (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

LA HB773

Provides for court costs collected in criminal cases (EN +$427,610 LF RV See Note)

LA HB38

Provides for an additional court cost in the City Court of Bogalusa (EN +$32,000 LF RV See Note)

LA HB1144

Provides relative to courts in Orleans Parish (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)

LA HB240

Increases certain fees for the justice of the peace courts in East Baton Rouge Parish and Jefferson Parish (EN INCREASE LF RV See Note)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.