APPROPRIATIONS/JUDGMENT: Appropriates funds for payment of the judgment against the state in the suit entitled Dr. Mahtab A. Lodhi and Dr. Peter Yaukey v. Board of Supervisors of the University of La. and Peter Fos

HB 607 appropriates $566,356 from Louisiana's state general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to pay a court-ordered judgment against the state. The funds will cover lost earnings and fringe benefits plus interest for two University of Louisiana physicians - Dr. Mahtab A. Lodhi ($416,020) and Dr. Peter Yaukey ($150,336) - following a 2023 civil court ruling. The bill requires the state treasurer to verify documentation before payment and specifies that interest stops accruing once the funds are disbursed. It does not create new policy but directs payment for a finalized court judgment.