House Bill No. by Representative Robby Carter introduces the Speedy Tort Claims Act, which creates a specialized division within each judicial district court dedicated to handling tort claims with a monetary cap of $50,000. This division will have limited jurisdiction, excluding cases related to title to immovable property, class actions, and claims for injunctive relief. The bill outlines the appointment process for magistrate judges, who will oversee these cases, and reduces court filing costs to half of the standard rates. Additionally, the act establishes procedural rules for the division, including requirements for pleadings, trial scheduling, and the management of default judgments, while explicitly stating that jury trials will not be permitted.
Furthermore, the legislation details the appellate process for judgments from the speedy tort claims division, indicating that legal interest on judgments will not accrue unless an appeal is filed. Appeals are restricted to errors of law, with no consideration of factual questions, and will be reviewed by a three-judge panel whose decisions are final and non-appealable. The timeline for filing appeals is set at ten days from the judgment date, and specific procedures, including the requirement for a bond, are outlined to ensure a streamlined process. Overall, the Speedy Tort Claims Act aims to expedite the resolution of tort claims in Louisiana while maintaining judicial integrity.