Louisiana House Bill HB62

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

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

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment against the state in the matter of "Mark and Michelle Gagnard, et al v. Kansas City Southern Railway, et al"

Impact

The passage of HB62 will directly impact the Louisiana state budget by requiring the allocation of funds to satisfy a legal obligation. This legislation underscores the responsibility of the state to fulfill court-ordered judgments, thus highlighting the importance of maintaining the rule of law and ensuring that lawful agreements are honored. It also reflects the state’s approach to handling liabilities that arise from judicial decisions.

Summary

House Bill 62 aims to appropriate funds out of the General Fund of the state of Louisiana for the fiscal year 2011-2012. The bill allocates a total sum of $5,000, plus court costs of $556.80, to settle a consent judgment against the state stemming from the case of 'Mark and Michelle Gagnard et al v. Kansas City Southern Railway et al'. This judgment comes from a suit involving claims related to the defendants in question and is on the docket of the Twelfth Judicial District Court.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB62 is largely practical rather than controversial. While appropriations of this nature are generally routine in legislative sessions, they underscore the ongoing financial responsibilities that the state must manage. However, given that the bill deals with a legal judgment, it may evoke discussions regarding the implications of state liabilities and the processes that lead to such court decisions.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill may stem from broader issues related to state governance and legal accountability. Some members may question the fairness of the judgment or the procedures that led to the consent decree, while others may discuss the sourcing of funds for payment, particularly in light of budgetary constraints. Nonetheless, the bill itself appears to be more a matter of financial necessity than ideological conflict.