Louisiana House Bill HB1345

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/20/10
• Refer: 4/21/10

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment against DOTD in the suit entitled "Jason Sampson v. William S. Jonson, et al." consolidated with "Latharie Sylvain v. Allstate Insurance Company, et al."

Impact

The passage of HB 1345 serves to fulfill the state's obligation to pay judgments resulting from lawsuits, particularly those involving the DOTD. By appropriating state funds to cover such judgments, this bill ensures that legal obligations are met without delaying compensation to the affected parties. This can have implications for how the state manages legal risks and associated costs, potentially affecting future appropriations if similar cases arise.

Summary

House Bill 1345 concerns the appropriation of funds from the state general fund for the fiscal year 2010-2011 to settle a consent judgment awarded to the plaintiff, Jason Sampson, in a lawsuit against the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) and other parties. The bill specifies the allocation of $1,000 to satisfy the judgment, which arises from consolidated lawsuits related to motor vehicle incidents. This appropriation is a legislative process to provide for financial settlements that have been judicially determined.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 1345 is pragmatic, as it focuses on fulfilling legal responsibilities rather than igniting significant debate. Legislators supporting the bill emphasize the necessity of appropriations to ensure that the state honors court orders. There appears to be little opposition to the bill, as it simply addresses a required financial obligation without proposing broader changes to existing law.

Contention

While specific points of contention may not be extensively documented for HB 1345, issues surrounding appropriations for legal settlements can often raise concerns about fiscal responsibility and transparency in state budgeting. Lawmakers may discuss whether such appropriations are likely to lead to future claims against the state, raising questions about systemic issues within the DOTD and the adequacy of its practices concerning public safety and accident prevention.