Louisiana House Bill HB120

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

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

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment against the State of Louisiana DOTD in the matter of "Calvin Lefrere, et al v. BNSF Railway Company, et al"

Impact

The passage of HB 120 would allocate the necessary funds to settle the financial liabilities of the state arising from the court’s ruling. By providing this appropriation, the state ensures compliance with the judicial process and helps maintain trust in governmental institutions to meet their commitments. This may set an important precedent in how state funds are managed when related to legal judgments, potentially influencing future financial planning and appropriations.

Summary

House Bill 120 aims to appropriate funds from the state general fund for the fiscal year 2014-2015 to pay a consent judgment against the State of Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) in the lawsuit titled 'Calvin Lefrere, et al v. BNSF Railway Company, et al'. The total amount appropriated through this bill is $6,000, which is specified for the payment of this judgment. This legislation addresses an obligation resulting from prior legal proceedings involving the state and a private entity, affirming the state's commitment to fulfill judicial decisions.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 120 is likely to be neutral as such appropriations are often necessary and routine in addressing legal judgments. However, there may also be concerns regarding the implications of using state funds for settlements, as some lawmakers and constituents may feel that additional scrutiny should be applied to avoid any future litigation costs. Overall, there doesn't appear to be significant public contention regarding this specific appropriation; rather, it reflects the operational needs of the state.

Contention

While this bill primarily focuses on a financial transaction related to a specific lawsuit, it may highlight broader discussions about the state’s liability in legal matters involving public infrastructure and transportation systems. Overall, there isn't explicit contention surrounding the bill as it represents a necessary response to a court decision; however, it does underline the ongoing conversation regarding governmental accountability in managing legal disputes that could involve larger financial implications for state resources.