Louisiana House Bill HB375

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

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

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment against DOTD in the matter of "Phillip Lynn Hall v. Federated Mutual Insurance Company, et al"

Impact

The approval of HB 375 facilitates the fulfillment of a court-mandated financial obligation, thereby allowing the DOTD to maintain financial and operational integrity. Appropriation of these funds ensures that the legal resolution is honored, which presents a level of accountability for the state's handling of legal matters. It also reflects the state's commitment to uphold the rulings of its judicial system, fostering trust among the public regarding state governance.

Summary

House Bill 375, sponsored by Representative Katrina Jackson, is designed to appropriate funds from the Louisiana General Fund for the fiscal year 2012-2013 to satisfy a consent judgment against the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). Specifically, the bill allocates the amount of $24,999 to settle claims arising from the court case 'Phillip Lynn Hall v. Federated Mutual Insurance Company, et al'. This legislative action is essentially a financial resolution of a legal obligation that the state agency aims to clear.

Sentiment

The sentiment around this bill appears to be predominantly neutral to positive, as it seeks to address and resolve an outstanding legal judgment. With no significant opposition indicated in the discussions or documentation related to the bill, it suggests a general consensus on the necessity of appropriating funds to settle the legal obligations of the state. The process may not generate substantial public uproar since it pertains to fulfilling a previous court ruling rather than creating new laws.

Contention

While there do not appear to be major points of contention directly associated with HB 375, the appropriation of state funds raises broader discussions about state budgeting, transparency, and the management of legal expenditures. Stakeholders and lawmakers may seek to scrutinize how such funds are allocated across various agencies, potentially igniting debates on fiscal responsibility and priority setting within state budgetary practices.