Overview
- Lawmakers gave final approval to Senate Bill 217 this week, and Gov. Jeff Landry said on Wednesday he will sign it into law.
- A conference committee swapped the targeted criminal divisions to A, E and J, a change that departs from the earlier 'last in, first out' approach and puts Judge Rhonda Goode-Douglas at risk.
- Judge Rhonda Goode-Douglas said she was "deeply blindsided," plans to keep serving and intends to run for reelection this fall.
- The bill would shrink the Orleans Criminal District Court from 12 to nine judges and also eliminate five juvenile and municipal judgeships, with the remaining seats to be decided in the November election.
- The late change has prompted public accusations from Gov. Landry against Sen. Gary Carter and refusal from some lawmakers to say who made the swap, and the move could affect court delays, voter representation and possible political or legal responses.