Louisiana House Bill HB114

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment against the Department of Transportation and Development in the matter of "Weeks Marine, Inc. v. Delta Towing, LLC, et al"

Impact

If enacted, HB 114 ensures the state of Louisiana can meet its financial responsibilities regarding the judgment in the mentioned legal case. This funding is directly related to the legal proceedings connected to the operations of the DOTD, thereby highlighting the implications of governmental accountability in financial matters related to legal disputes. It reinforces the importance of fiscal appropriations tied to judgments, reflecting the state's operational integrity.

Summary

House Bill 114 is legislation aimed at appropriating funds necessary for the payment of a judgment against the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) in a legal case titled 'Weeks Marine, Inc. v. Delta Towing, LLC, et al'. This bill specifically allocates the sum of $88,500 from the state general fund for the fiscal year 2012-2013 to settle the consent judgment arising from this lawsuit. The passage of this bill is crucial for the state to fulfill its legal obligations stemming from the court's decision.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding this bill appears to be neutral, stemming largely from its technical nature as a funding appropriation. There are minimal points of contention reported in the discussions, primarily focusing on the necessity of the expenditure rather than ideological divides. The legislature often addresses judgments in such a practical manner, suggesting a collective agreement on the need to uphold legal settlements regardless of broader political sentiments.

Contention

While there may not be significant contention surrounding HB 114 itself due to its straightforward purpose of funding a legal judgment, it does underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in how state funds are managed. The need for appropriating funds from the general fund for legal settlements may raise discussions about whether preventive measures should be taken to avoid such situations in the future. The bill reflects a broader dialogue about the financial implications for state agencies engaged in legal activities.