House Bill No. by Representative Hebert amends and reenacts R.S. 13:716 to expand the powers and duties of the commissioner in the 15th Judicial District Court, which encompasses the parishes of Acadia, Lafayette, and Vermillion. The bill grants the commissioner authority to preside over a range of legal matters, including criminal, civil, domestic relations, and family law cases, while ensuring that this jurisdiction does not interfere with that of district judges. Specific powers outlined for the commissioner in criminal cases include administering oaths, taking affidavits, presiding over arraignments (excluding guilty pleas), and issuing search and arrest warrants. The commissioner is also empowered to supervise bail conditions and manage protective orders related to domestic violence.

In civil matters, the commissioner can administer oaths, perform marriage ceremonies, and review petitions for protective orders, while also possessing the same contempt powers as a district judge. The bill removes previous limitations on the commissioner's adjudicative capabilities, thereby enhancing their role in the judicial process. Furthermore, it clarifies that the procedures for findings of fact and recommendations, which involve mailing to all parties and allowing a 10-day period for traversing those findings, now apply to domestic relations and family law matters. The presiding judge retains the authority to accept, reject, or modify these findings and can delegate matters to the commissioner with specific instructions, ultimately aiming to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of handling family law cases within the judicial system.

Statutes affected:
HB164 Original: