House Bill No. by Representative Brown amends R.S. 13:86 to establish a new court cost of $1.50 for both civil filings and criminal convictions. This fee will be collected by the clerks of various courts, including the supreme court, city, parish, juvenile, family, district, and appellate courts. The bill specifies that an additional $1.50 will be assessed for individuals convicted of felonies, misdemeanors, or local ordinance violations, including traffic offenses.
The proceeds from these fees will be allocated to a special account, with one-third designated specifically for the Judicial College's growth and program improvement. The remaining funds will support coordinated educational efforts between the Judicial College and the Judiciary Commission, focusing on judicial ethics and best practices. The bill also mandates an annual audit of the collected funds to ensure transparency and accountability.
Statutes affected: HB644 Original: