Louisiana House Bill HB20

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/15
• Refer: 2/20/15
• Refer: 4/13/15

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment against the State of Louisiana DOTD in the matter of "David Milbon and Richard Warren v. Barriere Construction Company, L.L.C., et al"

Impact

If enacted, this bill will have a direct financial impact on the General Fund of the State of Louisiana, as it designates a specific amount to settle a lawsuit. The appropriation indicates the state's reliance on budget allocations to manage legal settlements. Such appropriations may affect future fiscal decisions if similar judgments arise, prompting lawmakers to consider the sufficiency of the General Fund to cover potential liabilities.

Summary

House Bill 20 is an appropriations bill that addresses the payment of a consent judgment against the State of Louisiana's Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). Specifically, the bill allocates $15,000 from the state's General Fund for the 2015-2016 fiscal year to fulfill a legal obligation arising from the case 'David Milbon and Richard Warren v. Barriere Construction Company, L.L.C., et al.' This bill reflects the state’s responsibility towards legal settlements that may arise from its operations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB20 is largely procedural. There is minimal contention around the appropriation itself, as it simply follows through on a previously established legal obligation. However, the broader implications of state financial responsibility in legal matters might invoke conversations about budgeting and fiscal policy in future sessions, particularly regarding the state's exposure to legal risks and liabilities.

Contention

While HB20 itself does not present significant points of contention, the obligation to pay legal judgments highlights the potential strain these expenditures can place on state resources. Lawmakers might debate the appropriateness of the amount allocated and how similar future cases could be managed to prevent overburdening the state's financial resources. In essence, this bill acts as a reminder of the ongoing responsibilities inherent in state governance concerning legal matters.