Louisiana House Bill HB899

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment in the matter of "Murphy Cormier General Contractor, Inc. v. State of Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, et al"

Impact

The approval of HB 899 will thus have a direct financial impact on the state budget, necessitating careful management of funds within the General Fund. It signals the state's willingness to address legal judgments in a timely manner, which could enhance public trust in state governance. While it serves to settle a specific legal dispute, this appropriation could also set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, ensuring that similar judgments by courts are expedited through appropriations.

Summary

House Bill 899 addresses the appropriation of funds for the payment of a judicial judgment stemming from the case 'Murphy Cormier General Contractor, Inc. v. State of Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, et al.' The bill specifically allocates $7,412,383.00 from the General Fund of Louisiana for the fiscal year 2014-2015, covering not only the principal amount of the judgment but also additional costs and interests involved in the case. The bill reflects the state's commitment to fulfill its legal financial obligations and ensure that judicial decisions are honored.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 899 appears to be largely practical and neutral, as it focuses on financial obligations rather than polarizing policy issues. Legislative discussions may reflect a consensus on the need to honor judicial rulings, illustrating a rare point of agreement among legislators regarding the need for fiscal responsibility. However, there could be underlying tensions surrounding the budget allocations, particularly in the context of competing financial needs throughout state governance.

Contention

While overall discussions might not indicate extreme contention, some disagreements might arise concerning the source of the appropriated funds and their implications on other state expenses. Stakeholders may question whether allocating such a significant amount for a single judgment compromises funds available for essential public services or other legislative priorities. This bill also opens the door for discussions about the efficiency and efficacy of the state's legal processes, particularly in managing contractor disputes.