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 filing fee, with an initial partial fee calculated based on their account activity or present assets.

Further modifications include the stipulation that if a prisoner is not allowed to proceed as a pauper, they must pay the required costs in advance, or their case will be dismissed without prejudice. The bill specifies that after the initial partial fee is paid, prisoners must make monthly payments of twenty percent of their income until the fees are fully paid. It also outlines the responsibilities of the agency holding the prisoner regarding the forwarding of payments to the court, as well as the obligations of prisoners who are not currently incarcerated. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the process for prisoners seeking to file civil actions while ensuring that the court fees are ultimately collected.

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)