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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 9, 2026
Councilmember Eugene Green Raises Concerns Over State Bills to Restructure New Orleans Court
NEW ORLEANS, LA — City Councilmember Eugene Green issued the following statement regarding SB217 and HB911, two bills advancing through the Louisiana Legislature that propose consolidating the Orleans Parish Civil District Court, Criminal District Court, and Juvenile Court into a single judicial district, effectively eliminating multiple judgeships.
The proposed legislation represents one of the most significant restructurings of the New Orleans court system in more than a century. Orleans Parish courts currently handle approximately 20,000 cases annually across criminal, civil, and juvenile matters. However, neither bill provides a detailed implementation plan, transition timeline, or operational framework for managing active cases, court personnel, records, or facilities under consolidation. Councilmember Green emphasized that changes of this magnitude must be grounded in transparency, planning, and respect for local voters.
“A functioning Criminal Clerk’s Office is essential to maintaining accurate records and supporting our electoral system. The residents and voters of this City deserve to have their decisions respected, not overridden,” Councilman Green said. “Meaningful collaboration between the City and the State must be rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to serving the people of New Orleans. There are real challenges facing our communities that require attention, and any reform effort should be driven by data, transparency, and a clear path forward."
"New Orleans is a jewel of this State," Councilman Green added. "Much of the State’s stability and fortunes are tied to the activity generated in this City. Any proposal affecting our courts and governance must reflect that reality and prioritize the people who call this city home.”
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Contact:
Sandra G. Thomas
Chief of Staff
Councilmember Eugene Green, District D
Sandra.Thomas@nola.gov
504.658.1044
 New Orleans City Council
The New Orleans City Council is the legislative branch of the New Orleans city government. The Council considers and enacts all local laws that govern the City of New Orleans. The Council also approves the operating and capital budgets for the City, as recommended by the mayor, and continually monitors revenues and expenditures for local government operations. The City Council is also the regulatory body for public utilities. It also reviews and has the final say on many land use and zoning matters, as well as considers major economic development projects for the City. As a Board of Review for Orleans Parish, the Council examines appeals of property tax assessments for real estate taxes and certifies tax rolls to the Louisiana Tax Commission. Other responsibilities of the Council include overseeing the operation of the public access television in Orleans Parish. Streaming video and video archives of the City Council's Regular and Committee meetings can be found on the City Council website.
The City Council is comprised of five districts and Councilmembers-at-large: Council President and Councilmember-at-Large JP Morrell; Council Vice President and Councilmember-At-Large Matthew Willard; District "A" Councilmember Aimee McCarron; District "B" Councilmember Lesli D. Harris; District "C" Councilmember Freddie King III; District "D" Councilmember Eugene J. Green, Jr.; and District "E" Councilmember Jason Hughes.
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