Louisiana House Bill HB174

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

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

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment against the DOTD in the matter of "Allstate Insurance Company and Christopher Matthews v. Erica Crochet, et al"

Impact

The bill's impact primarily concerns the financial obligations of the state and how it manages funds related to legal judgments. By appropriating $3,250 for this payment, the state acknowledges its responsibility in the legal proceedings which may influence future budgeting and funding discussions. This kind of financial appropriation underscores the state's role in handling legal liabilities that arise from its operations or agencies like the DOTD.

Summary

House Bill 174 seeks to appropriate funds from the state general fund for the fiscal year 2012-2013 for the purpose of paying a consent judgment against the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). The case concerns a legal matter titled 'Allstate Insurance Company and Christopher Matthews v. Erica Crochet, et al.', indicating that the state's funds are to be used for a specific financial settlement due to a judgment rendered by the court.

Sentiment

The sentiment around the bill appears to be neutral, focusing more on the necessity of fulfilling a legal obligation rather than generating significant controversy or debate. Since it deals with a budgetary matter rather than policy change, the discussions surrounding its passage likely center on procedural concerns rather than ideological divisions.

Contention

Notably, contention could arise around the appropriateness of using state funds for legal settlements and whether such payments should be approached differently in future legislative actions. There may be scrutiny regarding the circumstances that led to the judgment against DOTD, and whether additional measures are needed to prevent similar legal challenges in the future.