House Bill No. by Representative Martinez amends several articles of the Code of Criminal Procedure related to bail, specifically addressing the declaration of residence, notice of arrest warrants, and the consequences of a defendant's failure to appear. Key changes include the requirement for defendants and sureties to provide valid mailing and electronic addresses for service of notice, and the stipulation that a bond forfeiture judgment cannot be denied due to invalid information provided. Additionally, the bill introduces a new process for notifying parties of arrest warrants and establishes a timeline for filing rules to show cause for bond forfeiture, including a five-year peremptive period for such filings.

The bill also repeals Article 334 in its entirety and makes technical revisions to ensure clarity and accuracy in the law. Notably, it modifies the provisions regarding the discharge of bail obligations upon conviction and the issuance of arrest warrants, ensuring that proper notice is sent to all relevant parties. Furthermore, it clarifies that failure to send notice of a bench warrant within the specified timeframe will release the surety from obligations under the bail undertaking. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the bail process and enhance the accountability of defendants and sureties in the judicial system.

Statutes affected:
HB772 Original: 15:15(A)(1)
HB772 Engrossed: 15:15(A)(1)
HB772 Reengrossed: 15:15(A)(1)
HB772 Enrolled: 15:15(A)(1)