Louisiana 2025 Regular Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SR120

Introduced
5/19/25  
Refer
5/20/25  
Report Pass
6/4/25  

Caption

Requests the Senate Committee on Finance, or a subcommittee thereof, to study and make recommendations on court costs in suits involving the state and political subdivisions in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court. (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

Impact

If the recommendations from this study are enacted, the resolution could lead to significant changes in how court costs are addressed in litigation involving the state and its subdivisions. The objective is to establish a dedicated funding source to alleviate the current financial strain on the court system. This initiative would not only aim to resolve accrued debts but also ensure efficient handling of court proceedings without financial hindrance, thereby affecting the operations of the judicial system within the Nineteenth Judicial District.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 120 urges and requests the Senate Committee on Finance, or a subcommittee thereof, to conduct a study regarding court costs in suits involving the state and political subdivisions in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court. The resolution highlights the unique role of this court, which predominantly handles cases involving the state and its agencies, stressing the financial implications associated with such litigation. Presently, the state does not incur advance costs when filing suits, resulting in significant fiscal burdens on the Nineteenth Judicial District Court, accumulating debts reaching over $7 million over the past decade.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SR120 appears to be supportive of addressing the financial obligations of the state towards the court system. Legislative discussions are likely to center on the necessity of this study and the potential need for reform regarding how costs are allocated in state litigation. Lawmakers may view this resolution as a proactive step towards ensuring the sustainability of judicial capabilities, although detailed opinions on specific funding mechanisms and regulations may vary.

Contention

While the resolution aims to foster a constructive dialogue on court costs, there may be points of contention regarding the extent of financial support to be provided and how it might impact the broader state budget. Discussion may arise about whether the state should allocate additional resources for court expenses or seek alternative funding arrangements. Furthermore, stakeholders might offer varying perspectives on how best to balance the financial responsibilities of state agencies while ensuring the effective operation of the judicial system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA SR165

Requests the Senate Committee on Finance to study court costs in suits involving the state and political subdivisions in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court.

LA SB471

Provides relative to court costs in suits involving the state and state agencies in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court. (2/3-CA7s2.1(A)) (8/1/24) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA SB125

Provides relative to court costs in suits involving the state and state agencies in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court. (2/3 - CA7s2.1(A)) (8/1/23)

LA HCR41

Requests a joint subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations and Senate Committee on Finance to study and make recommendations relative to state supplemental pay (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

LA HR61

Authorizes the House Committee on Ways and Means, or a subcommittee thereof, to study the state's tax structure and develop recommendations for tax system reforms (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

LA HB217

Provides relative to commissioners of the Nineteenth Judicial District Court (EN +$456,800 LF EX See Note)

LA HR143

Requests the House Committee on the Administration of Criminal Justice to study and make recommendations concerning the policies and procedures of high-speed pursuits by law enforcement officers

LA HR170

Requests the House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice, or a subcommittee thereof, to study the current structure of the Board of Pardons

LA HB977

Provides for official journals for the state and political subdivisions and for publishing legal notices (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

LA HCR11

Requests a study to make recommendations regarding behavioral health courts

Similar Bills

LA SR165

Requests the Senate Committee on Finance to study court costs in suits involving the state and political subdivisions in the Nineteenth Judicial District Court.

AR SB234

Concerning The Nineteenth Judicial District-west; To Create An Additional Circuit Judgeship; And To Declare An Emergency.

LA HB217

Provides relative to commissioners of the Nineteenth Judicial District Court (EN +$456,800 LF EX See Note)

LA SR229

Requests the Nineteenth Judicial District Court to make recommendations for the redistricting of election sections of the court.

LA HB905

Permits jurors to donate their per diem compensation to the Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) (EN NO IMPACT LF EX See Note)

LA HB773

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

VA HJR99

Judges; election in Court of Appeals of Virginia, circuit court, etc.

LA HB757

Provides relative to the judicial expense fund for the 19th JDC