Louisiana House Bill HB394

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

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

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment in the matter of "Gerald Burge v. State of La."

Impact

The approval of HB 394 will enable the necessary funds to be released to settle the judgment, thereby directly impacting the financial operations of the state's budget for the fiscal year 2012-2013. By appropriating these funds, the state acknowledges its liability in cases of wrongful convictions which can set important precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future, impacting both legal accountability and public trust in the judicial system.

Summary

House Bill 394 focuses on appropriating funds from the General Fund of the state of Louisiana specifically to cover a consent judgment arising from the case of 'Gerald Burge v. State of Louisiana'. The bill sets forth the allocation of $150,000 to be directed towards compensating for wrongful conviction suffered by Gerald Burge. This measure is aimed at fulfilling the state's financial responsibility following a legal ruling in favor of the plaintiff, ensuring that justice is served and that the state meets its obligations under the law.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment surrounding the proposal appears pragmatic, focusing on compliance with judicial decisions rather than ideological debates typical of other legislative measures. Stakeholders express a general understanding of the importance of compensating individuals wrongfully convicted and recognize that neglecting such obligations could lead to greater legal implications and negative public perception.

Contention

While there are no significant points of contention identified in the discussions about HB 394, there may be underlying concerns regarding the sufficiency of state funds for such appropriations. The financial implications of settling judgments related to wrongful convictions can place a strain on state resources, leading to potential debates in future legislative sessions about fiscal responsibility and the management of appropriations. However, there is no indication of opposition to the bill itself.