House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes significant changes to the structure of the Nineteenth Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge Parish. The bill amends R.S. 13:477(19) and 621.19, reducing the number of election sections from three to two, with each section electing seven judges. Additionally, it introduces a provision for one judge to be elected at large. The judgeships are reassigned to the new election sections, with specific divisions designated to each section. The bill also repeals Section 5(E) of Act No. 145 from the 1994 Third Extraordinary Session, which previously governed the election sections.

The bill specifies that the precincts referenced are based on the "2025 Precinct Shapefiles" available on the Louisiana Legislature's website, which are derived from the 2020 Census Redistricting data. It ensures that any subdivisions of precincts by parish governing authorities will be included in the general precinct designation. The changes outlined in this bill are set to take effect upon the governor's signature or after the expiration of the time for bills to become law without signature.

Statutes affected:
HB124 Original: 13:477(19)