Louisiana House Bill HB210

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/8/13
• Refer: 4/8/13

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment in the matter of "Jessica L. Varnell and Eric W. Varnell, individually and on behalf of their minor child, Cassidy Varnell, and Eric W. Varnell, as Administrator of the Estate of Joseph Delaine Cousson"

Impact

The enactment of HB 210 facilitates the flow of funds necessary to fulfill the state's legal obligations stemming from court decisions. By appropriating these resources, the bill not only resolves the specific case of the Varnell family but also reinforces the importance of the state adhering to judgments against it, which can impact future legal assessments and settlements. This measure reflects the state's management of legal liabilities and fiscal responsibility in such cases.

Summary

House Bill 210 aims to appropriate funds from the state of Louisiana's General Fund for the fiscal year 2013-2014 to address a consent judgment in favor of Jessica L. Varnell and Eric W. Varnell. The bill allocates a total of $880,000 and an additional $102,945.52 designated for Medicaid reimbursement related to the aforementioned legal case against the State of Louisiana, Department of Transportation and Development. This financial distribution underscores the state's commitment to adhering to legal outcomes to provide restitution to the involved parties.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 210 appears to be neutral, as it primarily functions to allocate funds to fulfill a legal obligation rather than introduce new legislation. The necessary financial appropriations are typically expected in the wake of court judgments, thus drawing little controversy. Nevertheless, the need for such appropriations may evoke deeper discussions about the efficacy of the Department of Transportation and Development in preventing similar legal issues through better practices in the future.

Contention

While the details concerning the specifics of the case leading to the judgment remain limited, such appropriations can often lead to scrutiny regarding the management and accountability of public funds. Discussions around this bill may highlight broader concerns regarding how public agencies handle accidents or incidents that result in legal claims, which might spark debates on policies aimed at improving safety and responsibility within state departments.