Louisiana House Bill HB234

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/20
• Refer: 2/26/20
• Refer: 3/9/20

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of the judgment against the State of Louisiana, DOTD, in "Jean Boudreaux and the Victims of the Flood on April 6, 1983 on the Tangipahoa River v. The State of Louisiana, Department of Transportation, et al"

Impact

The passage of HB 234 will have significant implications for state budgeting and financial management. By appropriating these funds, the state acknowledges its liability to compensate the affected individuals. This financial commitment may influence future budget allocations and priorities, as it ties up a substantial amount of resources that could have been directed to other state needs. Furthermore, it reaffirms the state's accountability in legal matters concerning its operations and responsibilities, particularly with regard to the Department of Transportation.

Summary

House Bill 234 is a financial appropriations measure aiming to satisfy a long-standing judgment against the State of Louisiana stemming from a class action lawsuit titled 'Jean Boudreaux and the Victims of the Flood on April 6, 1983 on the Tangipahoa River v. The State of Louisiana, Department of Transportation, et al.' The bill allocates a total of $91,824,720.79 from the state general fund for the fiscal year 2020-2021. This amount includes interest accrued since April 6, 1984, reflecting the lengthy timeline of the lawsuit and the state's obligation to the plaintiffs.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 234 appears to be one of resolution and responsibility. Legislators and the general public may view the bill as a necessary step towards rectifying a historical wrong by compensating the victims of the flood. However, there could also be discourse regarding the appropriateness of such a large appropriation from the general fund, as some might express concerns about alternative funding priorities and the need for fiscal responsibility in state governance.

Contention

While there may not be significant debate concerning the necessity of the payment itself, the contention could arise around how the funding impacts other state financial commitments. Stakeholders may question whether the financial resources allocated for HB 234 detract from other essential services or infrastructure projects. Additionally, the ongoing ramifications of a large state expenditure also provoke discussion regarding Louisiana's broader crisis management and disaster response strategies, especially in the context of climate change and natural disaster preparedness.