The bill amends several articles of the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure and Code of Criminal Procedure to enhance electronic filing and record retention processes. It allows for pleadings, documents, and exhibits to be filed electronically, with clerks of court responsible for endorsing the date of filing and retaining these records. The official record will now be the electronic version, and clerks are tasked with converting paper documents to electronic format while retaining original documents during legal proceedings. Additionally, the bill mandates that original testaments must be kept by the clerk until the order probating them is finalized.

Moreover, the legislation introduces provisions for electronic filing in criminal actions, including the option for facsimile filings under certain conditions. It ensures that electronic records hold the same legal weight as original documents and outlines the responsibilities of clerks regarding the management of these records. The bill specifies that clerks are not required to maintain original records filed on or before December 31, 2004, except for those in the conveyance records, and it establishes guidelines for the destruction or return of records, including the need for certification from the state archivist. Overall, the bill aims to modernize the judicial system's filing and retention processes, improving efficiency and accessibility while protecting the integrity of court records.

Statutes affected:
SB75 Original: 44:116(D), 44:116(E)(1), 44:116(E)(2)
SB75 Engrossed: 44:116(D), 44:116(E)(1), 44:116(E)(2)
SB75 Enrolled: 44:116(D), 44:116(E)(1), 44:116(E)(2)
SB75 Act 501: 44:116(D), 44:116(E)(1), 44:116(E)(2)