Complex Litigation Section Pilot Program; filing fees; Nineteenth Judicial District Court

A. As used in this Section, the term "complex litigation" shall mean a type of civil case that involves multifaceted legal and case management issues requiring all-encompassing judicial management to expedite litigation and promote effective decisionmaking by all parties and the court. In order to determine if a case may be referred to the Complex Litigation Section, the court shall consider certain factors including but not limited to the following: (1) The need for a high degree of case management, including the handling of discovery disputes and motion practice. (2) The expectation of numerous pretrial or discovery motions raising difficult, novel, inextricably intertwined, or time-consuming legal issues. (3) The expectation of extensive and intensive document review or in camera inspection by the court. (4) The presence of a large number of parties represented by separate counsel on the principal action or any cross-claims, reconventional demands, or third-person interventions. (5) The need to manage a large amount of physical and electronic documents during the pendency of the suit and at a trial. (6) The need to manage a large number of expert witnesses. (7) The anticipation of a lengthy trial duration. (8) The action satisfies the prerequisites of a class action and may be maintained as a class action under Code of Civil Procedure Article 591, including mass tort actions. (9) The need for an appointment of a special master. (10) Any other criteria deemed complex by the court. B. The Nineteenth Judicial District Court may establish the Complex Litigation Section Fund to provide for additional filing fees for complex litigation cases. Pursuant to this program, and notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the clerk of court may demand and receive a filing fee of two hundred dollars for each case referred to the Complex Litigation Section. C. The clerk of court shall collect all monies generated pursuant to this Section and forward them to the Nineteenth Judicial District Court for placement in a separate account to be designated as the Complex Litigation Section Fund for the Nineteenth Judicial District Court. The Complex Litigation Section Fund may be used for any operating expenses of the section, including salaries. The court shall keep accurate records, shall cause to be conducted an annual audit of the fund and the books and accounts relating to the fund, and shall file the audit with the office of the legislative auditor where it shall be available for public inspection. D. The pilot program authorized by this Section shall terminate on July 31, 2028.