This bill amends existing Louisiana law regarding civil claims made by prisoners, specifically focusing on the process of proceeding in forma pauperis, which allows individuals to file lawsuits without prepaying court fees. Key changes include the requirement for prisoners to submit a certified copy of their trust fund account statement for the six months preceding their application, or a limited period if they have been incarcerated for less than six months. Additionally, if a prisoner is no longer incarcerated, they must provide an affidavit detailing their current assets. The bill also clarifies that prisoners must still pay the full amount of filing fees, with an initial partial fee calculated based on their account activity.

Further amendments specify the procedures for payment of filing fees, including the obligation for prisoners to make monthly payments based on their income. The bill outlines that if a prisoner is incarcerated, the agency in charge must forward payments to the court, while non-incarcerated prisoners are responsible for sending payments themselves. The bill also emphasizes that a court will not allow service of a prisoner suit until all requirements for proceeding in forma pauperis have been met, ensuring that the procedural standards are upheld.

Statutes affected:
HB199 Original: 15:1186(A), 15:1188(B)(2)
HB199 Engrossed: 15:1186(A), 15:1188(B)(2)
HB199 Enrolled: 15:1186(A), 15:1188(B)(2)
HB199 Act 253: 15:1186(A), 15:1188(B)(2)