House Bill No. [insert number] amends and reenacts R.S. 13:4521(B) and enacts R.S. 13:4521(A)(6) to address the deferral of costs and fees associated with electronic filing requirements in Louisiana. The bill defines "court costs" to include various fees related to electronic filing, such as user fees and recording fees charged by clerks of court or third-party vendors. This clarification aims to streamline the understanding of costs associated with electronic filings for civil and criminal pleadings.

Additionally, the bill modifies the responsibility of governmental entities regarding deferred costs. It removes the previous requirement for these entities to pay deferred costs within thirty days of a judgment becoming final. Instead, it stipulates that costs will not be payable until the judgment is final and definitive, ensuring that all issues in the judicial proceeding are resolved before any payments are made. The bill also mandates that any court costs due from opposing litigants be withheld from settlement payments and forwarded to the clerk of court.

Statutes affected:
HB123 Original: 13:4521(B)
HB123 Engrossed: 13:4521(B)
HB123 Reengrossed: 13:4521(B)
HB123 Enrolled: 13:4521(B)
HB123 Act : 13:4521(B)