Louisiana House Bill HB721

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/21/18
• Refer: 3/22/18

Caption

Appropriates funds for the payment of the judgment against the State of Louisiana, DOTD, in "Evelyn J. Menard v. Cox Communications Louisiana, Inc., et al."

Impact

The passage of HB 721 signifies the state's commitment to adhering to judicial determinations regarding financial liabilities. By appropriating funds to cover the judgment, the bill ensures that the state honors its obligations resulting from court rulings over the dispute. The legislative action not only fulfills a specific financial commitment but also serves as a precedent for how the state might handle similar legal judgments in the future, thereby underscoring the importance of legal financial responsibilities as a component of fiscal management.

Summary

House Bill 721, introduced during the 2018 Regular Session, appropriates funds from the General Fund of the state of Louisiana for the fiscal year 2018-2019. The bill specifically allocates a sum of $1,322,000 to pay a final judgment resulting from the lawsuit, 'Evelyn J. Menard v. Cox Communications Louisiana, Inc., et al.' This financial appropriation is aimed at fulfilling the court-mandated resolution and encompasses legal interest accrued as well as court costs associated with the case, ensuring that the state's financial obligations are met.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 721 appears to be straightforward given its nature as a financial appropriation bill, which typically garners less controversy compared to other legislative measures. The discussions likely remain focused on the necessity of fulfilling the legal settlement while navigating the implications of funding such payments from the state budget. There is a general understanding among legislators about the importance of meeting court-ordered judgments, which shapes a largely neutral sentiment among lawmakers regarding this bill.

Contention

While HB 721 does not appear to be highly contentious in a traditional sense, the need for financial appropriations can lead to broader discussions about the allocation of state funds and priorities. Some may argue about the impact of this appropriation on other state budgets or services, raising questions about fiscal responsibility and the management of state resources. As seen in various controversial appropriations, the necessary funding could spark debate amongst legislators regarding fairness and the potential implications for other areas of public funding.