House Bill No. by Representative Edmonston amends and reenacts specific provisions of Louisiana Revised Statutes related to civil claims by prisoners, particularly focusing on the process of proceeding in forma pauperis. The bill stipulates that prisoners seeking to file civil actions or appeals without prepayment of fees must comply with all requirements for in forma pauperis proceedings, with the exception of certain provisions in the Code of Civil Procedure. It introduces new requirements for prisoners to submit certified trust fund account statements for the six months preceding their application, or an affidavit of present assets if they are no longer incarcerated. Additionally, it clarifies the calculation of initial partial filing fees based on the prisoner's account activity or present assets.

The bill also outlines the obligations of prisoners regarding the payment of filing fees after the initial partial fee is paid. It mandates that prisoners must make monthly payments based on their account income, with specific instructions for those who are incarcerated versus those who are not. Furthermore, it establishes that a court will not permit service of a prisoner suit until the requirements for proceeding in forma pauperis have been met, ensuring that the procedural framework is adhered to before any legal action can proceed.

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)