Louisiana House Bill HB1272

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/23/14
• Engrossed: 4/30/14
• Refer: 5/1/14
• Report Pass: 5/22/14
• Enrolled: 5/30/14
• Chaptered: 6/19/14
• Passed: 6/19/14

Caption

Appropriates funds for judgments against the state related to expropriation of property in the matter of "Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College v. 1732 Canal Street, LLC, et al"

Impact

The bill aims to ensure that the judgments issued for just compensation are paid, thereby settling outstanding legal obligations owed to various parties. By doing so, the legislation seeks to mitigate the financial and operational risks associated with unpaid judgments, ensuring that the LSU Health Sciences Center can proceed with its initiatives without the hindrance of ongoing litigation costs. This would not only remedy immediate financial liabilities but also reflect positively on the state's commitment to honoring legal obligations, potentially setting a precedent for how similar cases might be resolved in the future.

Summary

House Bill 1272 is a legislative measure that appropriates funds to satisfy court judgments related to the expropriation of property in the case of 'Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College v. 1732 Canal Street, LLC, et al.' The bill outlines the allocation of over five million dollars to cover property compensation, associated costs, and legal fees stemming from this long-standing legal case. This appropriation comes from the funds allocated to the LSU Health Sciences Center Health Care Services for the University Medical Center (Orleans) project, emphasizing the financial implications for state resources involved in healthcare projects.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1272 appears to be supportive, as it addresses the necessity of fulfilling legal judgments which can have substantial implications for state credibility and financial governance. The fact that the bill passed unanimously in the Senate suggests a consensus among legislators on the importance of honoring court decisions and maintaining good standing in the eyes of the public and the judiciary. However, discussions may revolve around the implications of such appropriations on future funding and budget allocations for state projects.

Contention

While there is broad support for the bill, some potential points of contention could arise regarding the adequacy of funds appropriated and their impact on other healthcare initiatives or projects that may require financial support. Legislators and stakeholders may debate how such large appropriations impact the budget and availability of resources for other critical sectors. Additionally, the underlying case that led to this legislation raises questions about property rights and government acquisition processes, which could be points of concern for advocates of landowner rights.