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 913 Reengrossed 2024 Regular Session Selders
Abstract: Provides relative to transparency for utility bills.
Proposed law defines "housing provider"
Proposed law applies to housing providers that control utility accounts for residential properties
occupied by tenants.
Proposed law states that a housing provider shall provide to a tenant a copy of the original utility bill
for the residential property where they reside if all the following occur:
(1)A tenant requests, in writing, to the housing provider a copy of the original utility bill.
(2)A tenant provides identification that he is the current tenant in the residential property for
which information is being requested.
(3)A tenant states which method he would like to receive the bill, either by mail or email, and
the corresponding information needed to fulfill the request.
Proposed law states that if a tenant satisfies the requirements in proposed law, a housing provider
shall provide the information within 15 days of the request. After the initial request, a housing
provider shall provide to the tenant, a copy of the original utility bill monthly, before payments of
those bills are due.
Proposed law provides that a housing provider shall be fined not more than $500 per violation for
violating proposed law.
Proposed law allows a tenant or the attorney general to bring an action against a housing provider
that violates proposed law. Further provides for penalties.
(Adds R.S. 51:2621 and 2622)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Commerce to the original bill:
1. Make technical changes to the title. 2. Clarify that a copy of the original utility bill is required.
3. Add violations, penalties, and civil remedies regarding housing providers that do not
provide a copy of original utility bills pursuant to proposed law.