Despite a partial shutdown of the federal government that began on Dec. 22, 2018, the Judiciary remains open. The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Louisiana will remain open and will continue all operations and case-related functions until further notice.

In 2018, the Judicial Conference Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure approved publication of proposed amendments to the following rules: Appellate Rules 35, 40; Bankruptcy Rules 2002, 2004, 8012; Civil Rule 30; and Evidence Rule 404. The comment period opened August 15, 2018 and closes February 15, 2019. More information is available at www.uscourts.gov/rules-policies/proposed-amendments-published-public-comment.