DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 533 Reengrossed 2017 Regular Session Hunter
Abstract: Requires state-level collaboration to evaluate the issues and conditions of drinking water
treatment and distribution in communities throughout La.
Proposed law requires the La. Department of Health (LDH) to lead a collaborative effort to evaluate
the issues and conditions of drinking water treatment and distribution in communities throughout
La. by performing a thorough evaluation of all of the following:
(1)The sanitary survey results for each water utility system across La.
(2)The effects deteriorating systems have on the safety, health, and well-being of La. families,
communities, and businesses.
Proposed law requires LDH to engage and solicit, as necessary, input, recommendations, and
guidance from interested parties and stakeholders including but not limited to any of the following:
(1)State and local agencies involved in the regulation, treatment, and distribution of drinking
water.
(2)Technical experts at the university and consulting levels.
(3)Water utility system owners and operators, community members, and state legislators from
areas with known public water quality issues.
Proposed law requires LDH to develop a report of the results of the collaborative effort, including
findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation, if necessary, and to submit the report to the
House and Senate committees on health and welfare no later than 30 days prior to the convening of
the 2020 Regular Legislative Session.
Proposed law requires LDH to submit an interim progress report no later than 30 days prior to the
convening of the regular legislative session of each year until the final report is submitted.
Proposed law terminates on Dec. 31, 2020.
(Adds R.S. 40:1290.1-1290.4)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill:
1. Limit the applicable secondary drinking water standards to color, corrosivity, iron, and
manganese.
2. Change the required testing frequency from monthly to the regular testing schedule
established by federal and state law, rules, and regulations.
3. Specify that public notice is required in an effort to mitigate liability and provide
adequate notice.
4. Change the requirement that LDH appoint a fiscal administrator to an authorization.
5. Change the required time period for the appointed fiscal administrator to consult with the
chief executive from timely to within 48 hours.
6. Specify that the fiscal administrator shall limit his duties to an advisory oversight
capacity for a private entity.
7. Limit applicability of proposed law.
8. Make proposed law effective upon signature of the governor.
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Delete proposed law requiring enforcement of certain maximum secondary contaminant
level standards.
2. Delete proposed law requiring public water supply tests.
3. Delete proposed law requiring public notice of excessive primary contaminant levels.
4. Delete proposed law requiring enforcement by DEQ, LDH, and the PSC.
5. Delete proposed law providing for a fiscal administrator.
6. Delete proposed law providing for penalties.
7. Delete proposed law authorizing a request for an appropriation through the Interim
Emergency Board.
8. Delete proposed law authorizing utility bill reductions.
9. Delete the special effective date. 10.Delete provisions limiting applicability of proposed law.
11.Require LDH to lead a collaborative effort to evaluate the issues and conditions of
drinking water treatment and distribution in communities throughout La.
12.Require LDH to engage and solicit, as necessary, input, recommendations, and guidance
from interested parties and stakeholders.
13.Require LDH to submit a report of the results of the collaborative effort.
14.Require LDH to submit interim progress reports.
15.Terminate proposed law on Dec. 31, 2020.
16.Make technical changes.