OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR
Fiscal Note
Fiscal Note On: SB 145 SLS 20RS 272
Bill Text Version: ENGROSSED
Opp. Chamb. Action:
Proposed Amd.:
Sub. Bill For.:
Date: May 8, 2020 4:53 PM Author: MILLS, ROBERT
Dept./Agy.: Twenty-sixth Judicial District Court (26th JDC)
Subject: Court Fees Analyst: Barbara Lively
COURTS EG INCREASE LF RV See Note Page 1 of 1
Provides relative to fees charged by the clerk of court for the Twenty-sixth Judicial District Court. (2/3 - CA7s2.1(A))
(8/1/20)
PURPOSE OF THE BILL: This measure consolidates various filing fees collected for the court reporter’s fund by the
Webster Parish Clerk of Court for the 26th JDC to a flat fee of $15 for all civil suits or proceedings that are not exempt by
law. The current four fee types that are being collected range form $3 to $15 depending on the case. Also, the fee charged
for copies of transcribed testimony in civil appeals cases may (per this bill) include all pages, instead of those in excess of
350 pages.
EXPENDITURES 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 5 -YEAR TOTAL
State Gen. Fd. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Agy. Self-Gen. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Ded./Other $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Federal Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Local Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Annual Total $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
REVENUES 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 5 -YEAR TOTAL
State Gen. Fd. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Agy. Self-Gen. $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Ded./Other $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Federal Funds $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Local Funds INCREASE INCREASE INCREASE INCREASE INCREASE
Annual Total
EXPENDITURE EXPLANATION
There is no anticipated direct material effect on governmental expenditures as a result of this measure.
According to the Webster Clerk of Court, they handle a relatively small number of cases that are filed by state and local
government agencies. The court costs for these cases are ultimately determined by the judge when the case is decided, but
usually become the liability of the non-prevailing party (which could be a public entity). Therefore, the possible increase in
the cost for government, if they are liable, would be minimal/immaterial.
REVENUE EXPLANATION
This measure may increase local fund revenues by an estimated $25,000 over the next five years.
According to the Webster Clerk of Court, there were 799 applicable filings in calendar year 2019. Actual collections in 2019
were $8,222. Assuming the number of filings remain constant and the maximum fee of $15 is charged, collections could
increase by $3,763 per year (799 filings x $15 - $8,222 = $3,763). In addition, copy fees may increase by $1,247 for each
year based on transcripts that fell below the 350 page billing threshold, according to the Clerk’s Office.
Senate Dual Referral Rules House
13.5.1 >= $100,000 Annual Fiscal Cost {S & H} 6.8(F)(1) >= $100,000 SGF Fiscal Cost {H & S}
Michael G. Battle
13.5.2 >= $500,000 Annual Tax or Fee 6.8(G) >= $500,000 Tax or Fee Increase
Change {S & H} or a Net Fee Decrease {S} Manager, Advisory Services


Statutes affected:
SB145 Original: 13:970(K)
SB145 Engrossed: 13:970(K)