Louisiana House Bill HB472

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/31/17
• Refer: 3/31/17
• Refer: 4/10/17
• Report Pass: 5/2/17

Caption

Increases individual sewage fees imposed by the office of public health (EG +$425,000 SG RV See Note)

Impact

The bill's impact on state laws primarily revolves around its amendment of R.S. 40:31.32, which governs sewage fees. The increase in fees is expected to raise additional revenue, which is critical for the state health department's ability to regulate and maintain the safety standards of sewage systems. By increasing the fees for installation, the law aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens experienced by the state health department due to inflation and increased administrative costs.

Summary

House Bill 472 aims to increase the individual sewage fee imposed by the office of public health from $100 to $150 for each individual-type sewerage system installed for residential use. This amendment is intended to improve the funding available to the office for overseeing sewage systems, ensuring better enforcement of public health standards related to sanitation and wastewater management. The bill is part of legislative efforts to ensure that infrastructure related to individual sewage systems is maintained and regulated effectively, given the rising costs associated with public health oversight.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 472 appears to be mixed. Supporters argue that the increase in fees is a justified response to rising operational costs and necessary for ensuring safety and compliance within sewerage systems. They emphasize the importance of public health and the long-term benefits of maintaining rigorous standards. Conversely, opponents may express concerns over increased costs for homeowners and the potential impact on those who may struggle to afford the fee for sewage system installations.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around whether the fee increase adequately addresses the needs for funding while also being fair to residents and installers. Previous versions of the bill included more extensive fee increases for various licenses, which were ultimately removed during the committee's amendments. This may represent an acknowledgment of pushback from stakeholders concerned about the financial implications of these increases. The remaining contention lies in perceptions of whether the fee increase will effectively translate into improved public health outcomes or if it constitutes an unnecessary financial burden on residents.