Louisiana House Bill HB914

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

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

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment against the DOTD in the matter of "Robert Jiles Romero v. State of Louisiana, et al"

Impact

The enactment of HB 914 will have a direct financial impact on state funds and emphasize the mechanisms through which the state addresses legal claims against it. Appropriating funds from the general budget to satisfy court judgments is a critical practice in maintaining the credibility of state governance. By fulfilling its legal obligations, the state can prevent additional penalties or interest that could arise from delayed payments. Furthermore, it showcases the importance of proper budgeting in anticipation of potential litigation outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 914 is an appropriations bill aimed at securing funds to cover a consent judgment against the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) in Louisiana. Specifically, the bill allocates a total of $424,999.34 from the state's General Fund for the fiscal year 2012-2013. This payment addresses the financial obligations that arose from the legal case 'Robert Jiles Romero v. State of Louisiana, et al.' as adjudicated in the Sixteenth Judicial District Court of Iberia Parish. The bill signifies the state’s accountability in settling court-ordered payments to ensure compliance with judicial rulings.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around HB 914 is likely neutral or pragmatic, given that it addresses a necessary legal obligation rather than introducing new policy or regulations. The support for the bill likely stems from a bipartisan understanding of the importance of adhering to court decisions, which ensures public trust in the judicial system and state governance. However, discussions may surface regarding the broader implications of state liability and the appropriateness of funding sources for such judgments.

Contention

While there does not appear to be significant contention specifically noted for HB 914, broader discussions in the legislature could focus on the financial implications of repeatedly appropriating funds for legal judgments against state departments. Questions may be raised about the processes that lead to such judgments and the potential need for reforms to reduce the number of instances that require similar financial appropriations in the future. This could generate discourse about risk management and accountability within state agencies.