2019 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 51
BY SENATOR MORRELL AND REPRESENTATIVES BOUIE AND JIMMY HARRIS
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To create and provide for the Louisiana Task Force on Lead-Free Water to study the
problem of lead contamination in state and local water systems and recommend any
action or legislation that the task force deems necessary.
WHEREAS, the delivery of safe water is essential to the health and welfare of each
and every citizen and the single most important duty that a government owes its people; and
WHEREAS, lead is a naturally occurring metal but when ingested, it can accumulate
in the body and cause a variety of health complications such as developmental issues,
increased cancer risk, severe damage to the nervous system, reproduction system and other
organs, as well as high blood pressure and anemia; and
WHEREAS, there is no level of lead exposure that is considered safe to humans; and
WHEREAS, despite its dangers, lead is still being found in many water systems
throughout the state, mainly because of an aging infrastructure consisting of pipes made
from lead; and
WHEREAS, there are an estimated fifty thousand lead lines in Louisiana, and many
of these are located in the lines that link municipal systems to homes; and
WHEREAS, there is no greater urgency than ensuring that the people of Louisiana
are being delivered water free of lead contamination.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana creates the
Louisiana Task Force on Lead-Free Water to study the problem of lead contamination in
state and local water systems and recommend any action or legislation that the task force
deems necessary.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force created herein shall consist of the
following members:
Page 1 of 3 SCR NO. 51 ENROLLED
(1) The secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health or his designee, who shall
serve as the chairperson of the task force.
(2) The secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality or his designee.
(3) The chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare or his designee.
(4) The chair of the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs or his designee.
(5) The chair of the Senate Committee on Local and Municipal Affairs or his
designee.
(6) The chair of the House Committee on Health and Welfare or his designee.
(7) The chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means or his designee.
(8) The chair of the House Committee on Local, Municipal, and Parochial Affairs
or his designee.
(9) The chancellor of the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New
Orleans or his designee.
(10) The chancellor of the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
Shreveport or his designee.
(11) The president of Tulane University or his designee.
(12) The president of the Senate or his designee.
(13) The speaker of the House of Representatives or his designee.
(14) The governor of Louisiana or his designee.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in conducting such study, the task force shall
study current law, policy, and efforts in Louisiana and other states to eliminate lead
contamination from water systems, work with local governments to ensure the transition
from lead pipes to safe alternatives, establish a timeline for such upgrades, and shall
recommend any action or legislation that the commission deems necessary or appropriate.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the task force shall serve
without compensation, except per diem or expense reimbursement to which they may be
individually entitled as members of the constituent organizations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a majority of the total membership shall
constitute a quorum of the task force, and any official action taken by the task force shall
require an affirmative vote of the majority of the quorum present and voting.
Page 2 of 3 SCR NO. 51 ENROLLED
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force may conduct such meetings at
such times as it may deem necessary or convenient to enable it to exercise fully and
effectively its powers, perform its duties, and accomplish the objectives and purposes of this
Resolution.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall report its findings and
recommendations, with suggestions for proposed legislation, if any, to the legislature no later
than sixty days prior to the convening of the 2021 Regular Session of the Legislature.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall terminate on March 1, 2021.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
governor of Louisiana, the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, and the
secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Page 3 of 3