Louisiana House Bill HB628

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/14/16

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment in the matter of "Breanna Cloud v. Stephen L. Jones, State of Louisiana, through the Department of Transportation and Development, Thomas Yearn, Baton Rouge Ready Mix, LLC, and National Indemnity Company"

Impact

The enactment of HB 628 facilitates the execution of a court ruling and highlights the state’s commitment to upholding judicial decisions by providing necessary funding for legal obligations. By appropriating funds in a clear and direct manner, the bill may prevent the state from incurring additional legal fees associated with non-compliance. Moreover, this act ensures that victims or claimants like Breanna Cloud are compensated promptly, thereby maintaining public trust in the legal and governmental framework of Louisiana.

Summary

House Bill 628 addresses a specific legal matter involving a payment of a consent judgment in the case of 'Breanna Cloud v. Stephen L. Jones, State of Louisiana, through the Department of Transportation and Development, and associated parties'. The bill appropriates a sum of $2,000 from the General Fund of the state of Louisiana for the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 to settle this judgment. By specifying the amount and the case linked to this funding, the bill simplifies the process of financial accountability at the state level while ensuring that the legal obligations arising from this lawsuit are honored.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding HB 628 appears to be neutral, primarily focusing on the procedural aspects of appropriating funds to fulfill legal obligations rather than generating significant public or political controversy. Since the bill addresses a judgment that has already been decided in court, it generally receives bipartisan support as it aligns with the principle of respecting judicial decisions. However, there may be a silent concern regarding the reliability of state funding for such settlements, which could affect future legal claims against the state.

Contention

While HB 628 does not face significant contention given its straightforward purpose, it reflects the broader implications of state accountability in funding legal settlements. Discussions may arise around the adequacy of $2,000, questioning if it appropriately compensates the claimant or addresses future risks of similar lawsuits. Moreover, reliance on the General Fund for these payments could bring up debates surrounding budget allocations and priorities within the state's financial framework.