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Local leaders and residents urge study as committee advances bill to expand Marksville and Bunkie city courts
Summary
House Bill 1252, presented by Representative Desotel, would expand Marksville and Bunkie city courts to handle misdemeanors, juvenile cases and civil matters up to $50,000 and allow virtual appearances; committee adopted technical amendments and reported the bill while the author agreed to continue working with local officials who opposed the measure and asked for more study.
Representative Desotel told the Senate Judiciary B Committee that House Bill 1252 would modernize and strengthen local court operations in Avoyelles Parish by expanding existing city-court jurisdiction and using current court infrastructure rather than creating a new judgeship. "This bill does not eliminate courts, instead it expands courts and clarifies the jurisdiction of existing courts," he said, adding the change would allow Marksville and Bunkie city courts to handle misdemeanors, juvenile matters and civil cases up to $50,000 and explore online fine payments and virtual appearances.
Several local residents and former officials urged the committee to slow the effort. Bruce Kula, who identified himself as a former mayor of Bunkie, said the community was concerned about the bill’s speed and the way it had been handled locally and asked the committee to table the measure or send it to study. "This entire bill should be turned over to some kind of study committee," Kula said, arguing local stakeholders had not been adequately consulted.
Pat Ryan, who said he previously served as executive director of the state planning office, urged broader public participation and recommended a study commission so judges, attorneys and the public could work through budgetary and administrative details. "Something may sound good, but when the devil's in the details, that's the problem," Ryan said.
The committee adopted amendment set 38-35, described by the author as largely technical with one provision clarifying appeals for marshals, and reported the bill out of committee with amendments. Chair acknowledged the local objections on the record and the author committed to follow up with local judges and officials to answer the questions raised at the hearing before floor action.
The committee’s action was procedural: a motion to report HB 1252 with amendments passed by unanimous consent. The author said he would provide additional information to the committee and to the local officials who testified.
Next steps: HB 1252 was reported out of Judiciary B with amendments; the author committed to further meetings with local stakeholders before the bill moves on the floor.
