Louisiana House Bill HB29

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/11
• Refer: 4/25/11

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment in the matter of "Berent Corkern, et al v. State of Louisiana, DOTD, et al"

Impact

The passage of HB 29 signifies the state's approach to managing its budgetary responsibilities concerning litigation outcomes. By appropriating funds specifically for paying court judgments, the state demonstrates its commitment to upholding judicial rulings and mitigating any potential financial repercussions from failing to comply. This act serves to protect the state's financial integrity while fulfilling legal obligations and maintaining public trust in state governance.

Summary

House Bill 29, introduced by Representative Edwards, focuses on the appropriation of funds for the state of Louisiana. Specifically, the bill allocates $40,000 from the General Fund for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 to cover a consent judgment resulting from the lawsuit 'Berent Corkern v. State of Louisiana, DOTD, et al.' This kind of funding is necessary to address legal obligations that arise from judicial decisions, ensuring the state meets its financial commitments in a timely manner.

Sentiment

Although no explicit opposition or contention was recorded in the available discussions surrounding HB 29, the sentiment tends to lean towards compliance and responsibility. Lawmakers generally support such appropriations, recognizing the importance of upholding legal commitments and the implications of failing to do so, particularly in maintaining the state's credibility and governance standards.

Contention

While HB 29 does not appear to face major contention, the topic of appropriating funds for legal judgments can sometimes evoke debates over budget priorities. Some lawmakers may question whether the funds could be better utilized elsewhere or scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the judgment leading to the appropriation. Nonetheless, in this instance, the bill is primarily viewed as fulfilling a legal obligation rather than a controversial decision.