Louisiana House Bill HB111

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/21
• Refer: 3/12/21
• Refer: 4/12/21

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of consent judgment against the state in the suit entitled "Jacquelyn R. O'Brien versus Mastec North America, Inc., et al c/w Travis Gerace et al versus Westley Eugene Worley et al c/w Daniel Joseph O'Brien, Jr., et al versus Westley Eugene Worley, et al c/w Lonnie P. Fontenot versus Westley Worley, et al c/w John May, III and Steven Guillory, II versus Ace American Insurance Company et al"

Impact

The passage of HB 111 will officially authorize the state to allocate funds to fulfill its legal obligations as determined by the judgment. This bill establishes a means for the state to execute payments only upon the presentation of required documentation to the state treasurer. Furthermore, the legislation aims to ensure that interest on the judgment will cease to accumulate as of the bill's enactment date, thus mitigating potential financial liabilities for the state.

Summary

House Bill 111 appropriates $50,000 from the State General Fund for the fiscal year 2020-2021 aimed at settling a consent judgment related to a lawsuit involving the State of Louisiana, specifically through the Department of Transportation and Development. The bill specifies that this amount is to be used to satisfy the judgment owed in the combined legal suit, which includes multiple parties, among them private individuals and various insurance companies. The judgment stems from a court case that revolves around transportation issues and liabilities involving the state and private entities.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 111 reflects the importance of compliance with legal judgments to maintain the state's fiscal responsibility and integrity. While there may not be significant public outcry regarding this specific bill, stakeholders involved in the precedent case may appreciate the government's move to settle outstanding judgments, as it reinforces the notion that the state acknowledges its legal obligations. However, there may be underlying concerns regarding the impact on the state budget and the allocation of funds towards legal settlements rather than public services.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 111 could include discussions about the allocation of state funds and the effectiveness of the state legal system in preventing such judgments. While this bill aims to address the immediate issue of judicial compliance, there is a broader conversation to be had regarding the steps taken to avoid similar legal situations in the future and whether the state is adequately protecting itself from potential liabilities arising from transportation-related incidents. Overall, while HB 111 facilitates a legal settlement, it also opens up discussions about the state’s overall approach to legal and fiscal responsibility.