Louisiana House Bill HB331

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment in the matter of "Rebecca Duet v. DOTD through the State of La."

Impact

By appropriating funds to satisfy the judgment in favor of Rebecca Duet, the bill has implications for state fiscal responsibility and transparency. It demonstrates the necessity for the state to allocate resources earmarked for legal obligations, highlighting the importance of accountability in government spending. The approval of the funding ensures that the judgment is honored, preventing potential further legal complications or penalties that might arise from non-compliance. This adds a layer of stability to the financial dealings of the state, particularly in responding to vicissitudes in legal judgments.

Summary

House Bill 331 is a legislative measure aimed at appropriating funds from the state general fund of Louisiana for the fiscal year 2012-2013. The primary purpose of this bill is to authorize the payment of a consent judgment related to the lawsuit 'Rebecca Duet v. Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) through the State of Louisiana'. The stipulated amount for this judgment payment is $3,500, reflecting the government's obligation to fulfill court rulings in a timely manner. The bill underscores the state's commitment to upholding lawful judgments and maintaining judicial integrity.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 331 is primarily neutral, as it deals with administrative processes rather than a high-profile policy change or contentious social issues. However, it can be viewed positively as a necessary administrative function to ensure compliance with judicial decisions. Legislators may see this bill as a routine matter of appropriating funds, which fosters trust in the state's ability to manage and honor its financial commitments. Voters and citizens are likely to have mixed reactions, viewing such funding as necessary but also scrutinizing the state's use of taxpayer dollars.

Contention

While there is little public contention regarding HB 331 due to its specific nature focused on a legal obligation, discussions in assemblies may touch on broader themes of government accountability and financial management. Some legislators may question the appropriateness of using state funds for specific lawsuits, advocating for stricter guidelines on how and when such appropriations should be made. Nonetheless, since the bill addresses a consent judgment, it's unlikely to face significant opposition, keeping the focus on procedural compliance rather than ideological debates.