Senate Bill No. 91, introduced by Senator Barrow, amends existing laws regarding court costs in suits involving the state and its agencies specifically within the Nineteenth Judicial District Court. The bill introduces a new provision that allows for the temporary deferral of court costs for the state and its departments, as outlined in R.S. 36:4(A), while also requiring these entities to deposit an advance filing fee of $200 to the court. This deferral applies only to the state and its listed departments, and it ensures that costs cannot be shifted to opposing parties during the deferment period. However, if a final judgment dismisses all claims against the state, the opposing party will be responsible for paying the temporarily deferred costs.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the attorney general can initiate and prosecute suits to protect the state's interests without needing to provide security for costs. It also stipulates that if an opposing party fails to pay the assessed deferred court costs within 30 days of the judgment becoming final, the clerk of court may send a certified copy of the judgment to the office of debt recovery for collection. This legislation is set to take effect on August 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
SB91 Original: 13:4521(A)(1)