Louisiana House Bill HB1064

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/5/16
• Refer: 4/6/16

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment against the DOTD in the matter of "Larry and Rose Storey, et ux. v. State of Louisiana, through the Department of Transportation and Development, G. Wall and Safeway Insurance Company of Louisiana"

Impact

The approval of HB 1064 signifies the state's acknowledgment of and response to legal obligations arising from court judgments against it. By appropriating funds for this settlement, the state ensures that the plaintiffs receive their entitled compensation, reflecting a commitment to uphold the rule of law and fulfill judicial decisions. Such appropriations can be viewed as integral to maintaining trust in government institutions when it comes to legal accountability and the resolution of disputes involving the state.

Summary

House Bill 1064 is an appropriation bill that aims to allocate $75,000 from the state general fund for the Fiscal Year 2016-2017. The funds are specifically designated for the payment of a consent judgment stemming from a lawsuit titled 'Larry and Rose Storey, et ux. v. State of Louisiana, through the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), G. Wall and Safeway Insurance Company of Louisiana'. This lawsuit bears the number 2004-000408 and is recorded within the 21st Judicial District Court located in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. The bill will come into effect on July 1, 2016.

Sentiment

There does not appear to be widespread public sentiment expressed specifically toward HB 1064 in the available documentation. However, similar bills concerning appropriations often garner support from those who view them as necessary for maintaining legal and financial responsibility. On the other hand, some critics might argue about the merits of state spending and whether appropriating funds for litigation outcomes should be prioritized over other budgetary needs, but this discussion seems more implicit than explicit in the available texts.

Contention

While HB 1064 seems straightforward as a means to settle a consent judgment, it may ignite conversation among legislators about the larger implications of state liability and the funding of such judgments. Issues that might surface include discussions on the state's legal strategies, accountability for negligence or misconduct, and how such settlements impact the overall state budget. However, the bill appears to facilitate compliance with a court decision rather than provoke significant contention at this stage.