DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 448 Original 2023 Regular Session Riser
Appropriates $9,388,436.06, plus applicable interest, out of the State General Fund (Direct) for FY
22-23 for payment of the payment of the judgment captioned "Steve Crooks and Era Lea Crooks
versus State of Louisiana, through the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources", signed on May
15, 2017, bearing Number 224,262, on the docket of the Ninth Judicial District Court, parish of
Rapides, state of Louisiana, as modified by the judgment of the third circuit court of appeals bearing
Number 17-750, as further modified by the state supreme court judgment bearing Number 2019-C-
0160.
Further provides that of the amount appropriated pursuant to proposed law, an amount equal to the
sum of$4,694,309.68 is payable for oil and gas royalties attributable to the mineral production from
the river banks between May 2003 and the date of trial; the sum of $353,297.34 is payble for expert
witness fees; the sum of $89,067.45 is payable for miscellaneous costs; and interest on all such sums
is payable from the date of judicial demand until paid as provided by law and the judgment.
Further directs the state treasurer to deposit the amount appropriated pursuant proposed law into the
registry of the court for the Ninth Judicial District Court, Parish of Rapides.
Proposed law provides relative to payment. Provides relative to conflicts between the judgment
and proposed law. Prohibits accrual of interest on the judgment as of the effective date of
proposed law.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.