This bill amends and reenacts specific provisions of R.S. 13:713 regarding the powers and duties of court commissioners in the 19th Judicial District Court of Louisiana. It clarifies that commissioners are responsible for hearing and recommending dispositions for civil, criminal, and domestic violence matters assigned by the court, including cases involving state prisoners. The bill also expands the commissioners' authority to include the ability to hear and dispose of preliminary motions before the filing of formal charges and to issue protective orders as required by statute or as a condition of bail.

Additionally, the bill repeals certain existing provisions that previously allowed commissioners to review and act on petitions for protective orders and make recommendations for injunctions. Instead, the new language empowers commissioners to directly issue protective orders and conduct hearings related to such matters, streamlining the process and enhancing their role in addressing domestic violence cases. Overall, the changes aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial process within the district court.

Statutes affected:
HB409 Original: 13:713(A), 13:713(B)(2)
HB409 Engrossed: 13:713(A), 13:713(B)(2)
HB409 Enrolled: 13:713(A), 13:713(B)(2)
HB409 Act 272: 13:713(A), 13:713(B)(2)