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HB 708

COURTS/JUSTICE OF PEACE: Authorizes concurrent jurisdiction for justice of the peace and city courts in East Baton Rouge Parish

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lauren Ventrella

HB 708 lets East Baton Rouge JP and city courts share eviction cases for leases with monthly rent up to $5,000, aligning JP districts with district boundaries.

Effective date: 06/21/2026.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 708

Summary of HB 708 (2026) – Louisiana

Purpose and Intent

  • HB 708 proposes to authorize concurrent jurisdiction between the justice of the peace (JP) courts and city courts in East Baton Rouge Parish (EBR Parish) for eviction-related matters.
  • It also aligns the territorial jurisdiction of JP courts in EBR Parish with the district boundaries used by the EBR Parish district courts, effectively reorganizing and clarifying JP district boundaries.

Key Provisions

Concurrent Jurisdiction for Evictions (EBR Parish)

  • In East Baton Rouge Parish, JP courts would share concurrent jurisdiction with city courts for:
    • Evictions of occupants or tenants of leased residential premises.
    • Evictions of occupants or tenants of leased commercial premises.
    • Evictions of occupants or tenants of leased farm lands.
  • A crucial condition: the monthly rent amount must not exceed $5,000 per month, regardless of the total yearly rent or the rent for the unexpired term of the lease.
  • This creates parallel authority between JP courts and city courts specifically for eviction cases with a cap of $5,000 in monthly rent.

Territorial Jurisdiction Alignment

  • The bill defines and enshrines five JP districts (1 through 6, with specific precinct compositions) in East Baton Rouge Parish, detailing the precise precincts that comprise each JP district.
  • It states that when annexation extends a mayor’s court or a city court’s territorial jurisdiction into all or part of a JP court’s jurisdiction, the mayor’s or city court would be concurrent with the JP court in that area.
  • JP and city court boundaries would be harmonized with the district boundaries referenced in the bill, ensuring JP districts correspond to the established district boundaries.

Election of JP and Constables (2026 Election)

  • For JP offices and their constables situated within the newly defined EB Parish districts, the 2026 regularly scheduled election and their successors would be elected from the districts as defined in the bill.

Technical and Effective Date Provisions

  • The bill references the precinct shapefiles and current precinct delineations as of January 27, 2026, for determining the referenced precincts.
  • There are provisions ensuring that matters filed with a JP court before the effective date remain under that JP court’s jurisdiction.
  • The act becomes effective upon signature by the Governor or, if not signed, after the constitutional waiting period. If vetoed and later approved by the Legislature, it takes effect the day after approval.

Who Is Affected

  • Justice of the Peace courts in East Baton Rouge Parish.
  • City courts within East Baton Rouge Parish (for eviction matters).
  • Landlords, tenants, and lessees within EB Parish whose monthly rent is $5,000 or less.
  • Voters and candidates in EB Parish seeking election to JP offices and constable positions in the defined districts.
  • Parish governing authorities managing precincts and annexations impacting court boundaries.

Procedural/Timeline Considerations

  • The bill requires coordination with existing precinct boundaries and state law on districting (R.S. 13:2602 and related provisions), and defines how annexations affect concurrent jurisdiction.
  • It contemplates the 2026 election cycle for JP-related offices and the associated districts.
  • Effective date depends on gubernatorial action (signature or expiration) or legislative approval if vetoed.

Note on Amendments

  • House Committee amendments adjust references and clarify the text, including:
    • Reenacting and amending R.S. 13:2602 to reflect the changes.
    • Clarifying language around jurisdiction and district boundaries.
    • Updating procedural language related to precincts and enacting provisions.

Overall, HB 708 aims to streamline eviction proceedings in EB Parish by enabling concurrent JP and city court authority for modest rent-threshold filings and by formalizing JP district boundaries to align with district court boundaries.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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