LA HB279

Raises the monetary threshold for jury trials in misdemeanor cases from fines exceeding $1,000 to fines exceeding $2,500

Misdemeanors with potential fines of $2,500 or less and imprisonment of six months or less may be tried by a judge without a jury

Jury trials for qualifying misdemeanors require six jurors who must unanimously concur to render a verdict

Applies both prospectively and retroactively to all cases pending on the effective date