Appropriates funds for payment of the judgment against the state in the suit entitled Louise Kaltenbaugh, Ph.D. et al. v. Board of Supervisors, Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College at Baton Rouge c/w Dayanand Thangada et al. v Board of Supervisors, Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College at Baton Rouge
Impact
The bill specifies that payments can only be made from this appropriation if the judgment is final, and outlines that any conflict between the judgment and the proposed law will defer to the judgment. The bill serves to ensure that the state complies with court mandates, thereby affirming the legal principle that court decisions must be honored, which might impact future appropriations and governance decisions around funding for state universities.
Summary
House Bill 321 is an appropriations bill that addresses the financial obligation of the state of Louisiana regarding a consent judgment in a civil suit. The judgment, favoring plaintiffs Louise Kaltenbaugh, Ph.D., Shirley Williams-Scott, Audrey S. McGee, and Robert Perry, involves a total appropriation of $423,561 from the State General Fund for Fiscal Year 2020-2021. This amount covers principal, interest, court costs, and expert witness fees as established in the judgment, which pertains to issues surrounding the operations and governance of Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College at Baton Rouge.
Sentiment
General sentiment around HB 321 appears to be procedural and largely non-controversial since it is focused on compliance with a judicial decision. It underscores the state's accountability in financial matters and legal obligations. However, the broader implications of state funding allocations to universities and institutions after such legal determinations could invoke discussions about the governance and management of the state’s educational funds.
Contention
The principal contention surrounding HB 321 lies in the financial implications of such appropriations on future budgets and university funding. There may be concerns from legislators regarding the adequacy of state funds, especially in times of economic uncertainties or budget shortfalls. Given that the bill is predicated on complying with a legal judgment, discussions may revolve more around budgetary management rather than the content of the judgment itself.
Appropriates funds for payment of the judgment against the state in the suit entitled Elaine Lewnau et al. v. The Board of Supervisors of Southern State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Appropriates funds for judgment against the state in the matter of "Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College v. 1732 Canal Street, LLC, et al"
Appropriates funds for payment of judgment against the state in "Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College v. Michael P. Villavaso"
Commends Dr. Ray L. Belton, president of the Southern University System and chancellor of Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College at Baton Rouge for his service to the Southern University System and the state of Louisiana.
Appropriates funds for judgments against the state related to expropriation of property in the matter of "Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College v. 1732 Canal Street, LLC, et al"
Requests that the Southern University Board of Supervisors take steps necessary to establish a medical school on the campus of Southern University at Baton Rouge
Appropriates funds for payment of consent judgment against the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System in the suit entitled Elizabeth M. Scott et al. versus Taylor Contracting and Supply Company, Inc. formerly known as Taylor-Seidenbach Co., Inc., et al.
Requests that the Southern University Bd. of Supervisors take steps necessary to establish a school of pharmacy and reestablish a school of architecture on the campus of Southern University at Baton Rouge
Requires the boards of supervisors for the Louisiana State University, Southern University, University of Louisiana and Louisiana Community and Technical College systems to broadcast the live audio and video of all board and committee meetings conducted in Baton Rouge on the Internet. (1/1/14) (EG INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Requires the boards of supervisors for the Louisiana State University, Southern University, University of Louisiana and Louisiana Community and Technical College systems to broadcast the live audio and video of all board and committee meetings conducted in Baton Rouge over the Internet. (1/1/15) (EG +$198,000 GF EX See Note)
Appropriates funds for payment of the judgment against the state in the suit entitled Elaine Lewnau et al. v. The Board of Supervisors of Southern State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College