House Concurrent Resolution No. ___, introduced by Representative Zeringue, aims to continue and reestablish the Judicial Structure Task Force, which was initially created in 2022. The task force is tasked with studying the structure and workload of the judiciary in Louisiana, particularly in light of recent population shifts revealed by the 2020 federal census. It will assess the efficiency of judicial resources, including the number of judges in appellate and district courts, and will utilize data from the National Center for State Courts to conduct a comprehensive workload study. The resolution emphasizes the importance of accurate data to inform legislative appropriations for the judicial system.
The task force will consist of various members, including representatives from the House and Senate, judges, and judicial associations, and will have the authority to solicit input from relevant stakeholders. It is required to submit a written report of its findings and recommendations by February 1, 2025, which will include updated workload studies, caseload data, and suggestions for any necessary changes to the judiciary's structure. The resolution underscores the need for a thorough examination of judicial resources to ensure they are allocated efficiently in response to demographic changes in the state.