Louisiana Senate Bill SB4

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10
• Report Pass: 5/10/10
• Engrossed: 5/12/10
• Refer: 5/13/10
• Report Pass: 5/27/10
• Enrolled: 6/14/10
• Chaptered: 6/22/10
• Passed: 6/22/10

Caption

Authorizes ordinances regulating backwashing of swimming pools into the street. (8/15/10)

Impact

The passage of SB4 would notably influence state statutes concerning the exercise of police powers by local governments. It gives local governing bodies more authority to regulate private actions that could impact public spaces, thereby allowing for tailored responses to community needs related to health and safety in the realm of pool maintenance and wastewater management. This move could also set a precedent for future legislation related to local control over various health and environmental issues.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 4, authored by Senator Murray, seeks to empower local governmental bodies in Louisiana, specifically parishes and municipalities, to enact ordinances that regulate the backwashing and drainage of swimming pools into public streets. The intent of this legislation is to enhance public health and safety by allowing municipalities to legislate practices that could affect the general welfare of their communities. By providing local authorities with the ability to adopt such ordinances, the bill aims to promote healthier residential and commercial environments.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB4 appears to be generally positive, as it provides necessary tools to local governments for managing public health concerns more effectively. Local officials are likely to welcome the provision as a means to address specific community issues, while advocates for public health may see it as a crucial step toward improved environmental standards. However, there might be concerns about the overreach of regulations and the balance between local authority and individual freedoms.

Contention

Notable points of contention related to SB4 may arise regarding the scope of local ordinance power. While the bill empowers local authorities, concerns about potential abuse of this power could surface, particularly regarding what might be deemed excessive regulation or restriction of individual rights. The potential for judicial review of such ordinances is included, which offers a check against these possibilities, but debates may emerge about how judicial interpretations could affect the intended outcomes of the legislation.