LA HB199

Amends R.S. 15:1186 and 1188 to establish different procedural requirements for prisoners seeking to file civil actions in forma pauperis (without prepayment of fees) based on whether they are currently incarcerated or released

Currently incarcerated prisoners must submit a certified copy of their trust fund account statement for the six months preceding their filing, with initial partial filing fees set at 20% of average monthly deposits or balance

Formerly incarcerated prisoners must instead submit an affidavit of present assets under Code of Civil Procedure Article 5183(A)(1), with partial filing fees determined by the standard fee schedule in Article 5181

Prisoners must continue making monthly payments of 20% of preceding month's income until full filing fees are paid, with payments forwarded to court when account exceeds $10

Courts cannot authorize service of a prisoner's civil suit until all forma pauperis requirements are satisfied, and failure to pay required costs results in dismissal without prejudice