Louisiana House Bill HB21

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/11
• Refer: 4/25/11

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment in the matter of "Brad Trahan, et al v. State of Louisiana DOTD, et al"

Impact

The legislative context of HB21 indicates its intention to facilitate the payment of a legal judgment, thereby impacting state financial management and budgetary allocations. The bill supports the requirement for the state to uphold court orders, demonstrating a commitment to legal resolution and accountability. Additionally, this appropriation from the General Fund underscores the state's role in adjudicating disputes and resolving claims against it, especially those involving its departments such as the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD).

Summary

House Bill 21, introduced by Representative Dove, is centered around appropriating funds specifically to settle a consent judgment from the court case 'Brad Trahan, et al v. State of Louisiana DOTD, et al'. The bill allocates a total of $232,354.61 from the state's General Fund for the Fiscal Year 2011-2012. This amount will be distributed among the plaintiffs as delineated in the court's ruling, ensuring that the settlement payments are made as ordered by the judicial system.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be relatively neutral, focusing on compliance with a legal obligation rather than eliciting strong partisan reactions. Most discussions may revolve around fiscal responsibility, highlighting the necessity for the state to budget for and settle legal claims effectively. The nature of the bill does not inherently invite contention or heightened political debate, as it largely serves a procedural purpose intended to satisfy judicial requirements.

Contention

While HB21 itself is straightforward in its objective, tensions may arise regarding budget prioritization, especially in the context of funding for other state obligations. Questions may be raised about the impact of this judgment on other budgets or programs within Louisiana, and whether such a substantial payment could divert resources from other critical areas. However, as it is primarily focused on fulfilling a court mandate, overt contention around the bill might be limited.