Senate Bill No. SLS 243ES-18, introduced by Senator Luneau, amends R.S. 13:4163 to create new provisions for legislative continuances and extensions for legislators and legislative employees. The bill establishes a presumption that motions for continuance are proper and should be granted unless there is clear and convincing evidence to deny them. It also reduces the minimum period for filing such motions from 60 days to 30 days after the adjournment of a legislative session or constitutional convention, and allows for electronic hearings on opposing motions within 48 hours. The bill removes previous provisions that deemed actions against individuals filing for continuance as nullities, thereby streamlining the process and emphasizing the importance of legislative duties.

Additionally, the bill deletes provisions that allowed for the denial of a motion to be considered an appealable order and removes the ability for individuals to apply directly to the supreme court for supervisory writs if their motion was denied. However, it retains the court's authority to consider motions for sufficient cause at any time before a hearing and allows for electronic filing with simultaneous notification to opposing parties. New provisions authorize requests for continuances outside legislative sessions with a showing of good cause, require courts to provide reasons for denying motions, and allow for direct appeals to the supreme court. The bill also specifies that it does not apply to certain legal proceedings, such as protective orders and domestic violence cases, and will take effect upon the governor's signature or the lapse of time for gubernatorial action.

Statutes affected:
SB7 Original:
SB7 Engrossed:
SB7 Reengrossed: