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 413 Original 2020 Regular Session Hilferty
Abstract: Provides that the annual operating and capitol budgets of the Sewerage and Water Board
of New Orleans are subject to the approval of the city council of New Orleans.
Present law (R.S. 33:4071) provides that the public water, sewerage, and drainage systems of the city
of New Orleans shall be constructed, controlled, maintained, and operated by the sewerage and water
board of the city of New Orleans.
Present law provides that the board is composed of 11 members as follows: the mayor; the chair of
the Public Works Sanitation and Environment Committee of the city council, or a member of the
committee appointed by the chair, or a civil engineer appointed by the chair; two syndicate members
of the board of liquidation, city debt; and seven members appointed by the mayor from a list of
nominees submitted by the Sewerage and Water Board Selection Committee.
Present law provides for the powers and duties of the board, including the authority to fix rates for
all persons who use water from the public water supply. Present law additionally authorizes the city
council to levy taxes and issue bonds on behalf of the district. Requires that all funds received by
the board, from water rates and the city, be deposited to the credit of the board with a fiscal agent
of the city. Requires the board to select an officer who will be responsible for the withdrawal of
board funds.
Proposed law retains present law and additionally provides that the operating and capitol budgets
of the board are subject to the approval of the city council. Requires the board to continue to operate
under the previous fiscal year budget if the annual budget is not approved by the city council.
Prohibits the board from expending funds pursuant to a budget not approved by the city council.
(Adds R.S. 33:4083.2)