House Bill No. 571, introduced by Representative LaFleur, aims to establish the Complex Litigation Section Program as a permanent fixture within the Nineteenth Judicial District Court (19th JDC). The bill amends the existing law by changing the title of the program from a "Pilot" to a permanent "Program" and repeals the provision that limited the program's duration to two years. This change signifies the legislature's intent to ensure the ongoing functionality and support of the Complex Litigation Section, which is designed to handle complex legal cases more efficiently.

Additionally, the bill maintains the existing provisions regarding filing fees and the management of funds associated with the Complex Litigation Section. Specifically, it allows the clerk of court to collect a $200 filing fee for each case referred to the section and mandates that all collected fees be deposited into a designated account for the program. The court is also required to keep accurate financial records and conduct annual audits, which must be submitted to the legislative auditor. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the judicial process for complex litigation in the 19th JDC by providing a stable and structured framework.

Statutes affected:
HB571 Original: 13:4(S, 13:4(D)
HB571 Engrossed: 13:4(S, 13:4(D)