Louisiana House Bill HB164

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/25/15
• Refer: 3/25/15
• Refer: 4/13/15

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment in the matter of "Jeffrey and Lillie Christopher, et al v. The State of La., through the DOTD, et al"

Impact

If enacted, HB 164 will have a direct impact on state budgetary allocations by authorizing the diversion of funds from the general fund to fulfill a legal obligation. By providing the necessary financial resources to satisfy the judgment, the bill aims to ensure compliance with court rulings and uphold the integrity of the state's legal system. Such appropriations can have significant implications for the state budget, as they may set precedents for future legal settlements and the allocation of available resources.

Summary

House Bill 164 is an appropriation bill that seeks to allocate funds from the state general fund of Louisiana for the fiscal year 2015-2016. The specific amount proposed is $175,000, which is intended for the payment of a consent judgment in a legal case titled 'Jeffrey and Lillie Christopher, et al v. The State of Louisiana, through the DOTD, et al'. This case pertains to a judicial ruling involving the Department of Transportation and Development and other parties, indicating that the state has a legal obligation to fulfill a financial judgment to the plaintiffs involved in the lawsuit.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 164 appears to focus primarily on the necessity of meeting legal obligations rather than invoking broader public opinion or controversy. As an appropriation bill, it is likely to be viewed in terms of fiscal responsibility, with proponents emphasizing the importance of appropriately funding legal judgments to maintain public trust in governmental processes. Overall, the emphasis is on legal compliance over contentious debate, suggesting a consensus on the need for funding the judgment.

Contention

The notable points of contention regarding HB 164 seem limited, as it deals primarily with funding a legal judgment rather than introducing new policies or regulations. However, as with any appropriation bill, potential concerns may arise regarding the prioritization of state funds and the implications of drawing from the general fund. Fiscal accountability and transparency might be discussed in the context of how such appropriations can affect other budgetary needs and the general financial health of the state.