Louisiana House Bill HB722

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

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

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment against the Dept. of Transportation and Development in the matter of "John M. Byrd, et al v. State of Louisiana" consolidated with "Jerry Starr, et al v. State of Louisiana"

Impact

The passage of HB 722 would have immediate fiscal implications for the state budget, specifically affecting the General Fund for the fiscal year 2012-2013. The amounts appropriated under this bill would contribute to settling ongoing liabilities accrued by the Department of Transportation and Development due to the aforementioned legal cases. This legislation ensures that compensation is provided to affected parties while potentially influencing the funding available for other state services.

Summary

House Bill 722 is a legislative proposal aimed at appropriating funds from the state general fund to pay a judgment against the Department of Transportation and Development of Louisiana. This lawsuit, consolidated from multiple cases including 'John M. Byrd, et al v. State of Louisiana' and 'Jerry Starr, et al v. State of Louisiana', resulted in various individuals being awarded monetary compensation, including amounts earmarked for future medical expenses. The total appropriation detailed in the bill is a significant sum that reflects the financial obligations imposed by court rulings against the state agency.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 722 appears to be neutral to positive among supporters who view it as a necessary action to fulfill legal obligations from court judgments. However, there may be concerns regarding the impact on the budget and availability of funds for other programs. While specific opposition details are not documented, discussions about appropriations typically elicit varying perspectives on fiscal responsibility and priorities within state budgeting processes.

Contention

One point of contention linked to HB 722 might stem from the broader implications of judicial decisions on state budgeting and the appropriateness of how such judgments are financed. With the growing number of claims against state agencies, discussions may arise about the need for reform in how these liabilities are managed. Additionally, the allocation of funds from the general fund for legal settlements versus other pressing state needs could fuel debate among legislators regarding priorities and resource allocation.