This bill amends R.S. 13:1631 to enhance the judicial expense fund for the Juvenile Court of East Baton Rouge Parish. It establishes that the clerk of court will collect additional costs from individuals filing actions in the court, with the maximum fee increased from fifteen to forty-five dollars. In criminal nonsupport cases, a cost of up to ten dollars will be imposed on convicted defendants. The bill also stipulates that the judges of the court, sitting en banc, will have control over the fund, which will be subject to annual audits to ensure transparency and accountability.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits the payment of judges' salaries from the judicial expense fund while allowing the judges to appoint necessary personnel and cover related expenses from the fund. It emphasizes that the fund can be utilized for various purposes related to the court's operations, including maintaining a law library and purchasing equipment. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the financial management of the Juvenile Court and ensure that funds are used effectively for its administration.

Statutes affected:
HB538 Original:
HB538 Engrossed:
HB538 Enrolled:
HB538 Act 928: