The bill amends and reenacts several provisions related to the city court system in Avoyelles Parish, specifically addressing the jurisdictions of the city courts in Bunkie and Marksville. It expands the territorial jurisdiction of the City Court of Bunkie to include wards seven, eight, nine, and ten, while the City Court of Marksville's jurisdiction is extended to wards one, two, three, four, five, six, and eleven. Both courts will have a small claims division and concurrent jurisdiction with the Twelfth Judicial District Court for criminal misdemeanor cases, civil disputes under $50,000, and juvenile matters. The bill also establishes that the city judges and marshals for both courts will be elected every six years by the qualified electors of their respective wards during the general election for Representatives in Congress.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the collection of fines and costs, allowing the city judge to seek grants for implementing online payment methods and virtual court appearances. It increases the maximum fines that can be imposed in criminal matters from $8 to $20 and in civil matters from $10 to $20. The bill abolishes the offices of justice of the peace and constable in Ward 2 of Avoyelles Parish and mandates that the justice of the peace courts in other wards work in conjunction with the city court in Marksville. Overall, the bill aims to modernize and streamline the operations of the city courts in Avoyelles Parish.

Statutes affected:
HB1252 Original: 13:1952, 13:51(A), 13:58(A)
HB1252 Engrossed: 13:1952, 13:51(A), 13:58(A)
HB1252 Reengrossed: 13:1952, 13:51(A), 13:58(A)