Louisiana House Bill HB287

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/30/21
• Refer: 3/30/21
• Refer: 4/12/21

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of the consent judgment against the state in the suit entitled Lucretia L. Garrett v. State Farm Fire and Casualty Company et al.

Impact

The introduction of HB 287 illustrates the necessity for states to manage court-ordered payments and underscores how such judgments can have direct financial implications for state budgets. The bill's provisions outline that the payment will only be executed once the judgment is finalized and that interest will cease accruing as of the effective date of the bill. This ensures that funds are managed efficiently while meeting legal obligations, thus reinforcing the importance of proper appropriation procedures in state governance.

Summary

House Bill 287 aims to appropriate funds from the State General Fund for the specific purpose of paying a consent judgment arising from a lawsuit involving Lucretia L. Garrett and several insurance companies including State Farm. The bill allocates a total of $15,000 for the fiscal year 2020-2021, which is to cover the expenses outlined in the judgment such as principal, interest, court costs, and expert witness fees. This allocation signifies the state's obligation to fulfill the terms of the legal judgment, demonstrating an engagement with the judicial claims against the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be largely procedural, focusing on the technicality of fulfilling a legal obligation rather than spurring significant public debate. As appropriating funds for legal judgments is often seen as a necessary aspect of state responsibility, there are minimal contentious points brought to the foreground in discussions relating to HB 287. Consequently, the atmosphere surrounding the bill is likely to reflect a consensus on the importance of adhering to judicial outcomes.

Contention

Although HB 287 does not seem to face major points of contention, it raises questions about the broader implications of state liability and the management of public funds in relation to court judgments. There is potential for future legislative discussions regarding the adequacy of appropriations for legal settlements, especially as they pertain to the state's financial health and the management of public resources. The handling of such financial obligations may lead to debates on priorities within the state budget and how similar issues are addressed in future legislative sessions.