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 652 Original 2022 Regular Session Hilferty
Abstract: Provides that the Sewerage and Water Board is recognized as a public utility subject to
regulation by the New Orleans City Council.
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 a sewerage and water
board.
Proposed law retains present law and additionally provides that the board is recognized as a public
utility. Provides that the board is subject to regulation as a public utility by the New Orleans City
Council (city council).
Proposed law grants the city council the power to compile financial statements and to examine, audit,
or review the books and accounts of the board. Authorizes the city council to examine all papers,
books, accounts, records, files, instruments, documents, films, tapes, and any other forms of
recordation, including but not limited to computers and recording devices.
Proposed law further authorizes the city council, in lieu of examinations of the records and accounts
of the board, to accept an audit or review report prepared by a licensed certified public accountant.
Requires that the audit or review be performed in accordance with generally accepted governmental
auditing standards and the La. Governmental Audit Guide. Further requires that audits be completed
within six months of the close of the board's fiscal year.
Proposed law authorizes the city council to issue subpoenas to the board to compel the production
of public and private books, documents, records, papers, films, tapes, and electronic data processing
media. Provides that if the board refuses to obey a subpoena, a judicial district court, may issue an
order requiring a board representative to appear before the court. Further provides that failure to
obey a subpoena may be punished as a contempt of court.
(Adds R.S. 33:4061)