House Bill No. by Representative Edmonston amends R.S. 46:2136.1(A) to modify the provisions regarding court costs and fees in domestic abuse cases. The bill stipulates that all court costs, attorney fees, costs of enforcement, appeal costs, evaluation fees, and expert witness fees incurred in domestic violence proceedings are to be paid by the perpetrator of the domestic violence. However, it removes the requirement for the perpetrator to cover costs associated with modification or maintaining proceedings concerning domestic abuse.

Additionally, the proposed law introduces a new provision stating that after the initial hearing, all costs will be assessed as in any other civil proceeding, with each party responsible for their respective attorney fees. This change aims to clarify the financial responsibilities of both parties involved in domestic abuse cases following the initial court hearing.

Statutes affected:
HB306 Original: 46:1(A)