Senate Bill No. by Senator Seabaugh amends the Code of Civil Procedure to establish new requirements regarding the payment of fees for service of process in civil actions. Specifically, it enacts Article 1201(E), which stipulates that service of citation will not be issued until the requesting party deposits a sufficient amount with the clerk of court to cover all fees for service within the 90-day period for requesting such service. Additionally, it amends Article 1672(C) to state that a judgment dismissing an action without prejudice can occur if service has not been requested or if all fees for service of citation have not been paid within the prescribed time, unless good cause is shown.

The bill emphasizes the importance of timely payment for service of citation, thereby potentially reducing delays in civil proceedings. It also clarifies that the provisions of this act will apply prospectively, meaning they will take effect on August 1, 2026, and will not retroactively affect any ongoing cases. This legislative change aims to streamline the process of service of citation and ensure that all parties are held accountable for the associated fees.