Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB221

Introduced
3/27/19  
Introduced
3/27/19  
Refer
3/27/19  
Refer
3/27/19  
Refer
4/8/19  
Refer
4/8/19  
Report Pass
5/2/19  
Report Pass
5/2/19  
Engrossed
5/16/19  
Engrossed
5/16/19  
Refer
5/20/19  
Report Pass
5/28/19  
Enrolled
6/4/19  
Chaptered
6/11/19  
Passed
6/11/19  

Caption

Expands the jurisdiction of mayor's courts to include the collection of municipal utility debts

Impact

The bill effectively changes the landscape of local governance by empowering mayors and corresponding municipal entities to manage utility debt collections. It introduces provisions for the appointment of court magistrates by the mayor and specifies a structure for imposing court costs on debtors, which can enhance municipal revenues. This could also encourage efficiency in handling utility disputes, leading to quicker resolutions for municipalities and debtors alike, at least for cases that fall within the specified financial thresholds.

Summary

House Bill 221 expands the jurisdiction of mayor's courts in Louisiana to include civil suits for collecting municipal utility debts, as long as the amount in dispute does not exceed five thousand dollars. This shift allows mayor's courts to handle disputes that were previously managed by district courts for certain smaller claims related to utility bills. It aims to streamline the process for these collections and provide local municipalities with more control over utility debt cases within their jurisdiction.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB 221 were largely positive, as the bill was seen as beneficial for municipalities in managing their financial matters. The sentiment in the legislative votes reflected strong support, evidenced by a vote tally of 102 in favor and none against during its passage, indicating that lawmakers recognized its potential benefits. However, concerns were also raised about the implications of judicial authority overlapping between mayor's courts and district courts, particularly regarding equity and legal representation for defendants.

Contention

While the bill received broad support, some stakeholders expressed apprehension regarding the scope of authority it grants to mayor's courts, particularly the implications this may have on the fairness of legal proceedings for individuals accused of owing utility debts. The ability for municipalities to collect court costs alongside debts could be seen as a burden on individuals who are already in financial distress. Furthermore, the bill explicitly excludes Jefferson Parish from its provisions, hinting at ongoing localized concerns regarding utility management and judicial authority.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA SB535

Expands jurisdiction of the mayor's court in the town of Westlake. (8/1/12)

LA HB1069

Provides relative to mayors' courts

LA HB461

Provides relative to mayors' courts

LA SB230

Creates the Tax Court to replace the Louisiana Board of Tax Appeals and expands its jurisdiction to local tax matters. (gov sig)

LA SB1291

General district courts; increases jurisdictional limits.

LA HB173

Provides relative to expanding the jurisdiction of state park wardens to enforce litter laws statewide

LA SB992

Relating to the jurisdiction and administration of, and procedures relating to, certain courts in this state, including procedures for appeals.

LA HB3763

Relating to the jurisdiction and administration of, and procedures relating to, certain courts in this state, including procedures for appeals.

LA SB174

Business taxes, requires annual reports from counties and municipalities, provides for causes of action, and revises the jurisdiction of the Alabama Tax Tribunal

LA A2200

Provides for county-municipal courts with limited, countywide jurisdiction.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.