Senate Bill No. SLS 26RS-510, introduced by Senator Morris, proposes significant amendments to the judicial structure in Orleans Parish, particularly concerning the number of judges and the management of court expenses. The bill reduces the number of judges in the Civil District Court from fourteen to twelve, effective January 1, 2027, and abolishes divisions "C" and "L" of the court. It also transfers control of the judicial expense fund from the judges of the Civil District Court to an executive committee of the Consolidated Judicial Expense Fund for Orleans Parish, which will oversee disbursements and manage the fund's operations.

Additionally, the bill outlines a new process for the appointment and management of court commissioners, requiring the judges of the Criminal District Court to form a nominating committee for future appointments. It establishes that the executive committee will consist of judges from various courts and will have the authority to govern the fund, conduct audits, and manage court-related expenses. The legislation also mandates biennial studies by the judicial council on the necessity of judges in the Criminal District Court and allows the Supreme Court to recommend the abolition of judgeships based on these findings. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB217 Original: 13:1137(B), 13:1312(A), 13:1337(A), 13:1343(A), 13:1344(A), 13:1347(A)(3), 13:2151(D), 13:4(D), 13:2492(A)(1), 13:1347(D), 13:2492(A)(7)
SB217 Engrossed: 13:1137(B), 13:1312(A), 13:1337(A), 13:1343(A), 13:1344(A), 13:1347(A)(3), 13:2151(D), 13:4(D), 13:2492(A)(1), 13:1347(D), 13:2492(A)(7)