In the event that the governor declares a state of emergency or disaster pursuant to R.S.29:721 through 775, the Supreme Court of Louisiana, rather than the governor, may issue orders suspending or extending deadlines applicable to legal proceedings in courts, including periods of time applicable for abandonment of actions, in all or part of the state of Louisiana. A court order suspending or extending deadlines applicable to legal proceedings in courts shall have the effect of extending only those deadlines that would have otherwise accrued during the period of time specified in the order. After the period of suspension or extension has expired, a party shall have an amount of time as specified in the court order to file any pleading affected by the suspension or extension. If no amount of time is specified, a party shall have thirty days after the period of suspension or extension has expired.
Art. 196.2.Power of Supreme Court to Extend Deadlines During Emergencies
Title I. Courts · Chapter 4. Power and Authority · Enacted 2022 · no amendments on record · Last verified July 30, 2026
In one sentenceArticle 196.2 gives the Louisiana Supreme Court, rather than the governor, authority to suspend or extend legal deadlines statewide or regionally once the governor has declared a state of emergency or disaster, and it sets a default thirty-day filing window once the suspension or extension period ends.
Full Text of Art. 196.2
Amendment History
Added by Acts 2022, No. 469, §2, eff. 8/1/2022.
Plain-English Summary
Article 196.2 addresses what happens to court deadlines when a disaster hits. Once the governor declares a state of emergency or disaster under R.S. 29:721 through 775, this article gives the power to suspend or extend legal deadlines to the Louisiana Supreme Court, not to the governor. That includes deadlines as consequential as the periods of time governing abandonment of actions, and the order can apply to all of Louisiana or only the affected part of the state.
The article limits what a suspension or extension order does. It extends only those deadlines that would otherwise have expired during the specific period the order covers — a deadline that already passed before the emergency, or one that would not fall due until well after the order’s window closes, is not affected by the order itself.
Once the suspension or extension period ends, a party gets more time to file whatever pleading the disruption affected. The order can specify how much additional time applies; if it does not, Article 196.2 supplies a default of thirty days after the period of suspension or extension expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can extend court deadlines during a Louisiana emergency?
Article 196.2 gives that authority to the Louisiana Supreme Court, once the governor has declared a state of emergency or disaster, rather than to the governor directly.
Does an emergency order extend every deadline in every pending case?
No. It extends only deadlines that would otherwise have accrued during the specific period the order covers, including periods for abandonment of actions.
How much extra time do I get after the emergency order expires?
Whatever amount the order specifies. If the order does not specify a time, Article 196.2 provides a default of thirty days after the suspension or extension period ends.
Can an emergency order under this article apply to only part of Louisiana?
Yes. Article 196.2 allows the Supreme Court’s order to apply to all or part of the state, matching the scope of the underlying emergency.
Source & verification. Article text is reproduced verbatim from
the vLex (Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure, 2026 Edition). Enacted by the Louisiana Legislature.
Last verified July 30, 2026.
· Official source
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