Louisiana House Bill HB664

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/12/21
• Refer: 4/13/21

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of the consent judgment against the state in the suit entitled Parria et al. v. State of Louisiana, Dept. of Transportation and Development

Impact

The bill establishes a clear funding allocation in state law for a specific consent judgment, thus ensuring that the state meets its legal obligations. The stipulation that the judgment's provisions take precedence over the bill's regulations creates a legal framework that prioritizes the settlement agreement. This measure potentially sets a precedent for how similar judgments might be handled in the future, ensuring that state funds are directed towards fulfilling legal obligations promptly.

Summary

House Bill 664 aims to appropriate $45,000 from the State General Fund for the fiscal year 2020-2021 to meet a consent judgment due to a lawsuit involving Ross A. Parria and Irene E. Parria, LLC against the State of Louisiana's Department of Transportation and Development. The bill specifies that payments can be made solely from this appropriation upon confirmation that the judgment is final, covering principal, interest, court costs, and expert witness fees as awarded in the verdict.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 664 appears to be practical, focusing on the necessity of adhering to legal judgments rather than being a divisive legislative issue. Since it deals with a specific financial commitment rather than broad policy implications, it is likely to garner bipartisan support as it aims to resolve a clearly defined obligation. The general outlook is positive, as fulfilling court judgments is a fundamental aspect of maintaining trust in governmental operations.

Contention

While there does not seem to be strong contention surrounding HB 664 regarding its necessity, discussions could arise around the implications of using state funds for debt repayment, particularly in the context of budget constraints. The clarity in defining how funds are to be appropriated helps alleviate concerns about fiscal responsibility. However, this could highlight broader themes in legislative discussions about funding priorities and the need for accountability in state financial obligations.