Louisiana House Bill HB20

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

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

Caption

Appropriates funds for the payment of judgment against DOTD in the matter of "Mary Knippers Rivers, et al v. DOTD"

Impact

The enactment of HB 20 will have a direct financial impact on the state budget, particularly within the appropriations allocated for the Department of Transportation and Development. By authorizing this payment, the bill underscores the state's responsibility to cover judgments against it as a result of legal claims, affirming the principle that the state must uphold its financial commitments to affected parties. This could also set a precedent for future appropriations needed to settle similar judgments, potentially influencing the legislative approach toward liability management in this sector.

Summary

House Bill 20 aims to appropriate funds from the state general fund specifically for the payment of a consent judgment against the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). The amount specified in the bill totals $100,000, with an additional allocation of $1,250.56 designated for court costs related to the case titled 'Mary Knippers Rivers, et al v. DOTD'. This bill serves to fulfill financial obligations arising from legal proceedings involving the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 20 appears to be neutral to positive, as it focuses on fulfilling a legal obligation rather than introducing new policy initiatives or changes. Many legislators may view the bill as a necessary administrative action to resolve this specific legal outcome without substantial controversy. However, the approval of such appropriations can also lead to discussions regarding the effectiveness of DOTD practices and how state funds are managed when facing legal challenges.

Contention

While no major points of contention have been identified in the discussion surrounding HB 20, the context of appropriating state funds to settle judgments generally opens up dialogue about accountability and governance within state agencies. Concerns may arise regarding how frequently such judgments occur and the implications of repeated legal liabilities on state finances. Addressing these issues might lead to calls for reforms within DOTD and tighter controls on operations to minimize future lawsuits.