Louisiana House Bill HB176

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/26/19
• Refer: 3/26/19
• Refer: 4/8/19
• Report Pass: 4/25/19
• Engrossed: 5/7/19
• Refer: 5/8/19
• Report Pass: 5/27/19
• Enrolled: 5/31/19
• Chaptered: 6/3/19
• Passed: 6/3/19

Caption

Provides relative to the governance of sewerage districts created by certain parishes

Impact

The passage of HB 176 is expected to grant parishes greater autonomy in managing their sewerage systems, potentially enhancing efficiency and responsiveness to local issues. By enabling the creation of supervising boards, local authorities can tailor governance structures to better fit the specific challenges and complexities of sewerage management in their regions. However, it is important to note that this bill explicitly does not apply to the parish of Orleans, which may indicate a desire to handle governance in that region differently or a recognition of its unique challenges.

Summary

House Bill 176 focuses on the governance of sewerage districts created by certain parishes in Louisiana, particularly those governed by a home rule charter. It allows the governing authority of these parishes to establish ordinances that can dictate the governance structure of their sewerage districts. One significant provision of the bill is that it permits the creation of one or more supervising boards to oversee these districts, along with the authority to determine the appointment and compensation of board members. This legislation aims to provide more local control over how sewerage services are managed, aligning governance with community needs and priorities.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 176 appears to be generally positive, especially among those advocating for local governance and community-based solutions. Many supporters believe that the bill empowers local authorities to take charge of sewerage management more effectively. However, the exclusion of the Orleans parish may raise questions and generate some concerns regarding equity and uniformity in governance across the state.

Contention

While there wasn't significant public contention highlighted in the discussions surrounding HB 176, the focus on local governance versus state oversight remains a broader topic within Louisiana politics. The measure could elicit varying responses based on differing opinions on the efficiencies of local versus centralized management approaches. Additionally, the specific exemption of Orleans may provoke discussions about why that parish should not follow the same governance framework as other parishes.