Although Judge Hines assumed office on May 9, 2023, her investiture took place on October 4, 2023. The event was the ceremonial transition to the office of District Court Judge.

The 19th Judicial District Court recognizes Chief Judge Donald R. Johnson who was recently honored at the 2023 American Judges Association’s (AJA) 62nd Annual Conference. Judge Johnson received the Judge Elliot Zide Judicial Educator Award for his significant contributions to Judicial Education.

State Justice Institute (SJI) has awarded the 19th JDC a $50,000 grant to assist with the costs associated with the implementation of its new Pretrial Services Program.

Effective September 1, 2023, the 19th JDC will have a Complex Litigation Section Pilot program that will focus on the timely and cost effective resolution of complicated civil litigation at the court. Complex Litigation can occur in several different shapes and sizes - it may be a single claim shared by multiple claimants; or it may be one incident that created similar causes of action among claimants; or it may be a few claimants with multiple defendants on several theories of liability..to name a few of the possible scenarios.

The Traffic Court at the 19th JDC hosted an inaugural event to coincide with International Day of Justice on July 17, 2023. The theme for the day was - Traffic Changed Me. The focus for the event was to provide assistance to the many citizens who have suspended licenses.

Judge Kelly Balfour accompanied by Diana Gibbens gave a presentation to the Baton Rouge Bar Association Young Lawyers Section about what is new in civil court at the 19th JDC.

On June 8, 2023, Governor Jon Bel Edwards signed Act 229 into law with an effective date of August 1, 2023. This Act amended La. R.S. 13:711, 712 & 713 related to the Commissioners at the 19th Judicial District Court. In sum, two additional Commissioners with equal authority were approved by the legislature.

Chief Judge Don Johnson and Commissioner Nicole Robinson were invited by CJCC to attend the Safety + Justice Challenge in St. Louis, MO from May 3-5, 2023. The Safety and Justice Challenge is reimagining and rebuilding local criminal justice systems — reducing jail incarceration and increasing equity for all.