WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 299

COURTS: Provides relative to the filing of jury bonds by person, mail, or commercial courier

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Melerine

HB 299 lets jury bonds be filed by mail or commercial courier in addition to in person, aligning with other documents.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 299

Summary of HB 299 (Louisiana) – 2026 Regular Session

Purpose

HB 299 amends Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure to allow the filing of a jury bond to occur not only in person or by electronic means, but also by U.S. mail or through a commercial courier. The bill aligns the filing options for jury bonds with other documents that may be filed by these methods.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment to Article 253(B)(3) (introductory paragraph):

    • Retains existing filing options (in person, electronic form, etc.) for various pleadings, documents, and exhibits.

  • New Subparagraph (B)(3)(e):

    • Adds “A jury bond” to the list of original documents that may be filed in paper form by:
    • In person
    • United States mail (USPS)
    • Commercial courier

  • Effective scope:

    • Applies to jury bonds specifically, extending permissible filing methods to include mail and courier services in addition to in-person filings.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Jurors and Court Administrators:
    • Court clerks must accommodate filings of jury bonds by mail or commercial courier, in addition to in-person filings.
  • Bonding Entities and Defendants/Parties:
    • Provides flexibility and potential convenience for parties requiring a jury bond, possibly affecting logistics and timing of bond submission.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Effective Date:
    • The bill description does not specify an immediate effective date beyond enactment; as a typical statute, it would take effect upon becoming law unless otherwise provided in the act.
  • Implementation:
    • Courts would need to implement procedures to receive, stamp, file, and index jury bonds filed via mail or courier, ensuring proper authentication and record-keeping akin to in-person filings.

Overall Impact

  • The bill broadens the permissible filing methods for the essential court document known as the jury bond, enhancing accessibility and potentially expediting the bonding process by enabling submission through mail or commercial courier in addition to traditional in-person filing.

Status and Sponsor

  • Status: Engrossed; moving through the 2026 Regular Session.
  • Sponsor: Rep. Michael Melerine (Co-sponsor noted as well).
  • Recent actions: Passed committee with favorable reports; advanced to Senate for consideration (activity shown up to mid-April 2026).

Note

  • The bill does not alter the substantive requirements or content of jury bonds themselves—only the acceptable filing channels.
  • Readers should monitor final enactment and any related administrative rules from the Louisiana judiciary for implementation details.

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

Sign in to ask a question.