Louisiana House Bill HB58

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment in the matter of "National Liability & Fire Insurance Company v. State of Louisiana DOTD, and Stephen L. Jones, et al"

Impact

The passage of HB 58 has implications for the financial management of state appropriations, particularly concerning how the state responds to adverse judgments in legal disputes. Appropriating funds for such settlements is a critical aspect of the state's fiscal responsibilities, ensuring that resources are available to fulfill legal obligations while maintaining budgetary discipline. This bill highlights the broader trend within state governance of managing litigation costs and ensuring that agencies are financially equipped to handle judgments against them.

Summary

House Bill 58, introduced by Representative Lorusso, focuses on the appropriation of funds necessary to settle a consent judgment in a legal case involving the National Liability & Fire Insurance Company and the State of Louisiana, through its Department of Transportation and Development. The bill allocates a total of $21,083.22 from the state's General Fund for the fiscal year 2014-2015 specifically for this purpose. The case, referred to as 'National Liability & Fire Ins. Co. v. State of Louisiana DOTD, and Stephen L. Jones, et al,' addresses various claims against state entities, which necessitated this legislative action for compliance with the court's decision.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 58 appears to be practical rather than politically charged. Given that the bill addresses an obligation arising from a court decision, discussions surrounding the bill are likely to focus on responsibility and fiscal prudence rather than ideological divides. Most stakeholders recognize the need to appropriately fund legal obligations to avoid further penalties or complications, contributing to a generally supportive outlook towards this specific appropriations measure.

Contention

While direct contention regarding HB 58 itself may be minimal given its nature as an appropriations bill, it illustrates the ongoing issues related to state liability and the financial implications of legal action against state entities. As public resources are utilized to settle such judgments, discussions may arise concerning the adequacy of existing insurance policies or risk management strategies employed by state departments. This bill serves as a reminder of the importance of legal accountability in governmental operations and the need for sound financial oversight.