Louisiana House Bill HB42

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

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

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment against DOTD in "Gloria Hotard, et al v. Frank Bedell, et al" consolidated with "Leila Marie Tassin, et al v. Frank Bedell, et al"

Impact

The bill's enactment will directly influence state financial operations by mandating the release of funds from the General Fund of Louisiana for the specified fiscal year. This implies a commitment to honor judicial rulings, underscoring the state's accountability in fulfilling its legal obligations, and may set a precedent for how similar future cases are handled, particularly concerning appropriations linked to court decisions.

Summary

House Bill 42 is an appropriation bill aimed at allocating funds for the payment of a court judgment resulting from a lawsuit involving multiple parties, including individuals and Custom Bus Charters, Inc. The total amount appropriated amounts to $376,690.36, which includes compensation to the plaintiffs and coverage for legal interest and court costs related to the case. The bill specifically addresses the financial responsibility of the state to fulfill this court judgment to avoid any additional legal repercussions for non-compliance with the court's ruling.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 42 appears neutral, as it primarily functions to facilitate compliance with judicial outcomes rather than introducing new policy or contentious reforms. Lawmakers recognized the necessity of appropriating these funds to ensure that the state honors its legal obligations and maintains public trust in the rule of law.

Contention

While the bill is straightforward, potential points of contention could arise if there are disagreements on the sufficiency of funds reserved for potentially unforeseen costs related to this or similar cases. Additionally, there could be discussions regarding the implications of the judgment for the parties involved and how future appropriations will be structured in light of this payment.