Louisiana House Bill HB509

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/2/21
• Refer: 4/2/21
• Refer: 4/12/21

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of consent judgment against the state in the suit entitled Richard James Hickman et al. v. State of Louisiana

Impact

The bill's enactment signifies a commitment by the state to honor its financial obligations stemming from judicial decisions. This can enhance trust between citizens and the state government, showing that the government is willing to adhere to legal judgments that affect its operations. Moreover, the bill delineates that the payment will cover not only the principal amount but also associated costs, such as court expenses and expert witness fees, further clarifying the fiscal responsibility of the state in legal matters.

Summary

House Bill 509 appropriates $52,500 from the State General Fund for the fiscal year 2020-2021. This allocation is intended for the payment of a consent judgment resulting from a suit titled 'Richard James Hickman et al. versus State of Louisiana, DOTD.' The bill outlines the requirements and conditions under which this payment will be made, focusing on ensuring that the funds are used strictly for the specified legal obligations arising from the court ruling.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 509 appears to be generally pragmatic, as it reflects a procedural aspect of government functioning rather than a highly contentious issue. Legislative discourse surrounding the bill likely emphasized the importance of complying with judicial mandates, which can often reflect an administrative duty rather than a policy debate. The legislators involved may see this measure as necessary for maintaining legal integrity and fulfilling the obligations of the state's Department of Transportation.

Contention

One notable aspect of the bill is its provision regarding conflicts between the judgment and the proposed law, specifying that the judgment's provisions shall take precedence. This raises questions about the state's ability to manage legal conflicts and whether it can effectively balance its obligations with legislative intents. Additionally, the cessation of interest accrual as of the bill's effective date may also be a point of interest, as it underscores the urgency and finality of payments due under this consent judgment.