Louisiana House Bill HB206

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/30/15
• Refer: 3/30/15
• Refer: 4/13/15

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment against the DOTD in the matter of "Dawn Sistrunk, individually and on behalf of her deceased minor daughter, Christi Collins v. Ford Motor Company and ABC Insurance Company"

Impact

The passage of HB 206 demonstrates the state's commitment to covering legal judgments that may arise from various claims against state agencies. It reflects a broader principle of accountability within state departments, ensuring that victims of accidents or mismanagement can receive compensation. This kind of appropriation may set a precedent for future cases where state entities are mandated to pay damages as ruled by a court, potentially influencing the financial operations and budgeting processes of the DOTD and other state departments.

Summary

House Bill 206, presented by Representative Garofalo, addresses the appropriation of funds specifically for the payment of a consent judgment. This judgment is against the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) regarding a case involving Dawn Sistrunk and her deceased daughter, Christi Collins, against Ford Motor Company and ABC Insurance Company. The bill stipulates the allocation of $12,000 from the state's General Fund for the Fiscal Year 2015-2016 to fulfill the financial obligation arising from this court decision.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 206 is likely to be supportive since it involves compensation for wrongful acts that affected individuals. While specific debates or oppositions were not highlighted in the text, bills that deal with appropriations for judgment payments often enjoy bipartisan support, as they are seen as necessary for upholding justice and providing relief to impacted families. However, concerns may arise regarding the implications of using state funds for such payments, particularly in terms of fiscal responsibility.

Contention

Although the bill does not detail significant points of contention, issues related to appropriation bills can surface regarding budgetary impacts and the prioritization of state spending. There may be discussions surrounding whether the funds could be better allocated to other pressing state needs or if there are concerns over continuing liabilities stemming from similar suits in the future. Overall, HB 206 serves to address a specific legal judgment, indicating an operational response to the outcomes of legal proceedings affecting state agencies.