Louisiana House Bill HB674

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10

Caption

Appropriates funds for the payment of judgment against DOTD in the suit entitled "Olivia M. Krause, et al. v. Russell G. Hebert, Jr., et al."

Impact

The passage of HB 674 signals the state's responsibility in addressing financial liabilities resulting from lawsuits involving its agencies. By appropriating funds for this purpose, the legislature reaffirmed its commitment to upholding judicial decisions and ensuring that claimants receive the compensation ordered by the court. This bill represents the resolution of specific claims against the state which impacts the budget allocation for other programs funded through the state general fund.

Summary

House Bill 674 is an appropriation bill that allocates $225,000 from the state general fund for the fiscal year 2010-2011. This amount is designated specifically for settling a consent judgment against the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). The judgment arises from a lawsuit involving Olivia M. Krause and others against DOTD along with various insurance companies, indicating that the DOTD was found liable for certain damages as determined by the court.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 674 appears to be neutral to positive, focusing on the alignment with legal obligations rather than ideological divides. Since the bill deals with appropriating funds based on a judgment, it is largely viewed as a procedural necessity that reflects the outcome of judicial processes. There may not be significant opposition, as appropriations to fulfill court-ordered payments typically do not engender substantial public debate.

Contention

While there are no explicit points of contention highlighted within the available discussions around HB 674, the broader implications of appropriating funds for legal judgments often raise discussions regarding fiscal responsibility and the potential impacts on future budget allocations. Concerns about the rising costs associated with legal liabilities for state agencies could emerge as a topic in subsequent sessions, particularly regarding how to mitigate such situations in the future.